主に

• Reading: おもに
• Romaji: omoni
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu/omo) — main, primary, master
• Pronunciation: /o.mo.ni/

Meaning

Mainly; primarily; chiefly. Used to indicate the most significant portion or focus.

An adverb derived from the na-adjective 主 (omo, main/primary) plus the particle に. Placed before verbs or clauses to specify the primary element. Very common in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in explanations and descriptions.

Examples

1. この店は主に若い人に人気がある。 This store is mainly popular with young people.
2. 彼は主に英語の翻訳をしている。 He primarily does English translation work.
3. 被害は主に沿岸部に集中した。 The damage was mainly concentrated along the coast.

Usage Guide

Context: explanations, reports, descriptions

Tone: informative

Origin & History

From 主 (shu/omo, main/lord), a kanji depicting a lamp stand with a flame, symbolising the central or primary light. The adverbial form 主に has been used since the classical period.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal