主要な
shuyōna
The English word 'main' can be translated into Japanese using several forms, most commonly 主要な (shuyōna). Wiktionary also lists 主な (omo na) and 主 (shu).
Meaning: chief, most important, or principal in extent, etc. (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 主要な | shuyōna | |
| 主な | omo na | |
| 主 | shu | [ɕɨ] (narrow) |
The terms in this entry refer to something that is chief, most important or principal in extent. Depending on the context, you might use these words to describe a primary component of a system, a major industry or a central figure in a story.
Which one should you use?
主要な (shuyōna) is a more formal and technical term often used when discussing the main components of systems, industries or strategic plans. In contrast, 主な (omo na) is a more common, general-purpose adjective used in everyday conversation and standard writing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 主 (shu) can function as a prefix to indicate that something is the 'main' or 'primary' part of a compound noun, such as in 主人公 (main character).
How do you pronounce it?
shuyōna
Did you know?
- The character 主 is also used in the word 主人 (shujin), which literally means 'master of the house' or 'lord', but is commonly used to mean 'husband'.
- The kanji 主 is shared by both the word for 'main' and the word for 'God' in the sense of a deity, 主 (shu).
- In Japanese, the concept of 'main' is often expressed through the kanji 主, which also means 'master', 'lord' or 'owner'.
Examples in context
- この主人公、鈍感すぎる。This main character is excessively thick in the head.This sentence uses 主 to describe a character.Tatoeba #11022948 by small_snow, translation #13701701 by terrywallwork
- この町の主な産業は何ですか。What is the main industry in this town?This sentence uses 主な to ask about a town's industry.Tatoeba #220526 by bunbuku, translation #57849 by CK
- この計画の主な目的はなんですか。What is the main purpose of this plan?This sentence uses 主な to ask about a plan's purpose.Tatoeba #222209 by tommy__san, translation #59535 by CK
- 彼の論文の 本文 は非常に興味深いです。The main text of his thesis is very interesting.
- その映画の 主役 は、有名な俳優です。The main character in that movie is a famous actor.
- 明日のイベントは 大盛り上がり になる予定だよ！Tomorrow's event is going to be majorly exciting!
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are discussing a travel plan.
- 陽太 Yota今回の主要な目的地はどこにする？Konkai no shuyōna mokutekichi wa doko ni suru?Where should our main destination be this time?
- 陽葵 Himari京都に行きたいと思っているよ。Kyōto ni ikitai to omotte iru yo.I'm thinking I want to go to Kyoto.
- 陽太 Yotaいいね。主要な観光地を回ろうか。Ii ne. Shuyōna kankōchi o mawarō ka.That's good. Shall we visit the main sightseeing spots?
- 陽葵 Himari賛成！計画を立てよう。Sansei! Keikaku o tateyō.I agree! Let's make a plan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “main” translations and entries 主, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
