主编

• Pinyin: zhǔ biān
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = 主 (lord/main); 编 = 纟+ 扁 (weave/edit)

Meaning

Editor-in-chief; chief editor. As a verb, to serve as chief editor or to compile.

Refers to the person with overall editorial responsibility for a publication, or the act of leading an editorial team. Common in publishing, journalism, and academic contexts.

Examples

1. 她是这本杂志的主编。 She is the editor-in-chief of this magazine.
2. 这部词典由著名语言学家主编。 This dictionary was edited by a renowned linguist.
3. 他担任主编期间推出了许多畅销书。 During his time as editor-in-chief, he released many best-selling books.

Usage Guide

Context: publishing, academia, media

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这位主编在业界享有盛誉。(This editor-in-chief enjoys a great reputation in the industry.)
• 他主编了一套经典文学丛书。(He served as chief editor for a classic literature series.)

Don't Say

• 我主编了这封邮件 — 主编 is for publications, not emails; use 写 or 撰写 for emails

Origin & History

主 (chief/main) + 编 (edit/compile)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal