主眼

• Reading: しゅがん
• Romaji: shugan
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu/nushi) — main, master; 眼 (gan/me) — eye, focus
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.ɡa.ɴ/

Meaning

Main point; chief aim; focus. The primary objective or central concern of an endeavour, argument, or work.

A noun often used in formal writing and speech. The phrase 主眼を置く (shugan o oku, 'to place emphasis on') and 主眼とする (shugan to suru, 'to make the main focus') are common patterns. It emphasises intentionality — what a speaker or writer deliberately centres their effort on.

Examples

1. このプロジェクトの主眼は収益よりも社会貢献に置かれている。 The main focus of this project is placed on social contribution rather than profit.
2. 彼の講演の主眼は若者の政治参加を促すことだった。 The chief aim of his lecture was to encourage young people's political participation.
3. 論文の主眼を明確にしなければ、読者に伝わらない。 If you don't clarify the main point of your paper, it won't get through to readers.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, formal speech, business planning

Tone: deliberate

Origin & History

From 主 (shu) meaning 'main/primary' and 眼 (gan/me) meaning 'eye.' The metaphor of the 'main eye' implies the point one keeps one's gaze fixed upon — the essential focus.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated