主要

• Reading: しゅよう
• Romaji: shuyou
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu) — main, master; 要 (you) — essential, important
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.joː/

Meaning

Chief; main; principal. Indicates the most important element among several.

A na-adjective that modifies nouns with な (主要な原因, the main cause). Frequently used in formal writing, news, and business contexts. Similar to 主な (omona) but more formal and often used for larger-scale topics such as industries, policies, and institutions.

Examples

1. この会社の主要な製品は自動車部品です。 This company's main products are automobile parts.
2. 会議で主要な問題について話し合った。 We discussed the key issues at the meeting.
3. 主要な駅にはすべて案内所がある。 All major stations have information desks.

Usage Guide

Context: business, news, academic writing

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 主 (shu, main/master) and 要 (you, essential/important). Both kanji carry weight — 主 depicts a lamp flame (the central light) and 要 originally showed hands at the waist (the body's pivot point).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal