Definitions
(noun)
master; owner; host
(adjective)
main; principal
(noun)
Lord; God
(verb)
to indicate; to signify
Etymology
Pictograph of a memorial tablet used for spiritual rituals, similar to 示.
About
The character "主" derives from an early pictograph of a flame on a lamp, conveying the idea of a central light source, with its structure conventionalized into a dot positioned above the component "王". Originally denoting the flame or wick of a lamp, its meaning expanded from this concrete reference to embody the person occupying a central role, such as a master or host, and subsequently gained the adjectival sense of "main" or "primary". This semantic shift from a physical object to concepts of authority and centrality marks the character's adaptation within the linguistic system.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
主人非常好客。
这是我的主要目标。
她主张和平解决争端。
这次会议主要由他负责。
他才是这个项目的主导者。
我们必须掌握自己的命运。
这位教授主要研究中国古代史。
这场慈善晚会由她主持。