主义

• Pinyin: zhǔ yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = 丶 + 王 (main); 义 = 丶 + 乂 (meaning, righteousness)

Meaning

Doctrine; -ism; ideology. A system of principles, beliefs, or theories that guide thought and action.

Used as a suffix to form ideological terms: 资本主义 (capitalism), 社会主义 (socialism), 理想主义 (idealism). Also used independently to refer to principles or creeds. Fundamental in political, philosophical, and social discourse.

Examples

1. 不同的主义代表不同的价值观。 Different ideologies represent different values.
2. 他是一个完美主义者。 He is a perfectionist.
3. 实用主义在商界很流行。 Pragmatism is very popular in the business world.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, philosophy, academic

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 马克思主义深刻影响了世界历史进程。(Marxism profoundly influenced the course of world history.)
• 环保主义越来越受到年轻人的支持。(Environmentalism is gaining increasing support from young people.)

Don't Say

• 吃饭主义 — 主义 is for serious ideologies, not casual preferences

Origin & History

主 (main, master) + 义 (meaning, righteousness)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal