主力

• Pinyin: zhǔ lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = 丶 + 王 (main); 力 = strength radical (force)

Meaning

Main force; backbone; key player. The primary strength or most important contributors to an effort.

Originally military term for the main combat force. Now widely used in sports (star players), business (core team), and economics (major investors/traders). Emphasizes the most important or capable element.

Examples

1. 他是球队的主力前锋。 He is the team’s starting forward.
2. 年轻员工已成为公司的主力军。 Young employees have become the backbone of the company.
3. 主力资金大量流入股市。 Major funds are pouring into the stock market.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, business, military

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这名球员因伤退出主力阵容。(This player withdrew from the starting lineup due to injury.)
• 科研人员是创新驱动发展的主力军。(Researchers are the main force driving innovation-led development.)

Don't Say

• 我是家里的主力 — sounds like sports/military; use 顶梁柱 for family pillar

Origin & History

主 (main, primary) + 力 (force, strength)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal