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主要 (しゅよう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N2 Freq. Frequency Top 5,000 Meanings 1
na-adjective, noun
main ; principal ; major ; chief
Used to describe the most important or central element among several. Common in formal, business, and news contexts. Functions as both a noun and a na-adjective.
Elevators are installed at major stations.
Kanji 要 need, main point, essence Similar words 主おも な 主な is a prenominal adjective meaning 'main' or 'primary', used only before nouns. 主要 is more formal and can be used as a noun or adjectival noun.
重じゅう 要よう 重要 means 'important' or 'significant', emphasizing value or necessity. 主要 emphasizes being the central or leading element among several.
Etymology Compound of 主 (しゅ, 'main, chief') and 要 (よう, 'essential, important'). The combination conveys the idea of something being the most central or principal.
