主張

• Reading: しゅちょう
• Romaji: shuchou
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu) — main, master; 張 (chou) — to stretch, spread
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.tɕoː/

Meaning

Claim; assertion; insistence. Stating one's opinion or position firmly.

A する verb (主張する — to claim/assert). Used for stating opinions in debates, legal arguments, academic papers, and everyday disagreements. Can range from reasonable assertion to stubborn insistence depending on context. Common in news, politics, and academic writing. Takes を for the content being asserted.

Examples

1. 彼は自分の意見を強く主張した。 He strongly asserted his opinion.
2. 弁護士は依頼人の無罪を主張している。 The lawyer is claiming the client's innocence.
3. お互いの主張が違うので話し合いが必要だ。 Since their claims differ, a discussion is needed.

Usage Guide

Context: debate, legal, academic

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Compound of 主 (shu, main/master) and 張 (chou, to stretch/spread). Literally 'stretching one's main point' — extending and presenting one's primary argument.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal