hauptsächlich
/haʊ̯ptˈzɛçlɪç/
The English word 'main' can be translated into German as hauptsächlich. Wiktionary also lists haupt-.
Meaning: chief, most important, or principal in extent, etc. (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| hauptsächlich | /haʊ̯ptˈzɛçlɪç/ |
| haupt- | /haʊ̯pt-/ /haʊ̯p-/ |
hauptsächlich is used to mean chief, most important or principal in extent. While it can function as an adjective, it is very frequently used as an adverb meaning 'mainly' or 'principally'.
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix haupt- is derived from the word for 'head', functioning similarly to the English prefixes 'chief-' or 'main-'.
Which one should you use?
Use hauptsächlich to describe the primary reason or component of something, whereas primär (primary) often implies a temporal or developmental priority.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word haupt- can appear as a prefix in various compound words, such as Hauptleitung, which refers to a large pipe or cable.
How do you pronounce it?
/haʊ̯ptˈzɛçlɪç/
Did you know?
- The word hauptsächlich is built from Haupt (head) and Sache (thing or matter), literally meaning 'head-thing-ly'.
- While hauptsächlich means 'mainly', the word Hauptsache is used as a common idiom meaning 'the most important thing' or 'the bottom line'.
- The suffix '-lich' in hauptsächlich is what transforms the noun into an adjective or adverb. This is the same suffix used to turn 'friend' into 'friendly' in English.
Examples in context
- Hauptsächlich deshalb habe ich das gemacht.That was the main reason I did that.This sentence is useful for showing how to express a main reason.Tatoeba #13586177 by Waldelfe, translation #6844966 by CK
- Kinder lügen hauptsächlich, um keinen Ärger zu bekommen.The main reason kids tell lies is to avoid getting into trouble.This sentence demonstrates how to use the word to describe the main reason for a behavior.Tatoeba #4239216 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4219348 by patgfisher
- Sein hauptsächliches Lebensziel ist es, Geld zu verdienen.Making money is his main purpose in life.This sentence shows the word being used to describe a main purpose or goal.Tatoeba #11579616 by Tamy, translation #395735 by CK
- HauptbahnhofMain train station
- Wesentlicher FaktorMain factor
- Wesentliche AufgabeMain task
- Jobzufriedenheit steht an erster StelleJob satisfaction is the main priority
- Für mich kommt Familie an erster StelleFamily comes first for me
- HauptproblemMain problem
- HauptsacheMain thing (what matters most)
- Was ist das Hauptproblem bei diesem Projekt?What is the main problem with this project?
- Das Wichtigste ist, dass wir zusammenhalten.The main thing is that we stick together.
- Die Jobzufriedenheit steht an erster Stelle in diesem Unternehmen.Job satisfaction is the main priority in this company.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing the components of a new project.
- LauraWas sind die wichtigsten Teile?What are the most important parts?
- FelixWir arbeiten hauptsächlich an der Software.We are mainly working on the software.
- LauraIst das das Hauptthema?Is that the main topic?
- FelixJa, das ist unser Fokus.Yes, that is our focus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “main” translations and entries hauptsächlich, haupt-, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haupt-, hauptsächlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
