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主角 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
主角zhǔjuéleading roleHSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #2880, Hard
主角zhǔjuéleadHSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #2880, Hard
zhǔjué(zhu3jue2)zhu jue T3
  1. 1leading role
  2. 2lead
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March 24, 2026

主角zhǔjué(zhu3jue2)

The term '主角' (zhǔjué) refers to the leading character or protagonist in a narrative, whether it be in literature, film, or theater. It signifies the main figure around whom the story revolves, often facing challenges and driving the plot forward.

Strokes12Frequency#2880DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

'主角' is commonly used in discussions about Chinese cinema, which has a rich tradition of character-driven storytelling, particularly in genres like martial arts films and historical dramas.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '主' (master) who is the '角' (corner) stone of a story, as they hold the central position. Visualize a stage where the 主角 shines in the spotlight, making them unforgettable.

Meanings of 主角

zhǔjué(zhu3jue2)
1leading role
2lead
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 主角

主角Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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AI Study Notes for 主角

Quick Contrast

主角 (protagonist) vs 配角 (supporting character) — choose 主角 when referring to the main character, while 配角 refers to secondary characters who support the story.

Usage Notes

In casual conversation, '主角' is often used to discuss movies or books. Be cautious with tone; '主' is pronounced with a third tone, and '角' with a second tone, which can be confused. A common collocation is '电影主角' (film protagonist).

HSK Study Tips

This word is not explicitly listed in the HSK vocabulary, but it is relevant for intermediate learners focusing on cultural topics like cinema and literature. Students should connect it with words like '角色' (juésè, role) to deepen understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '主角' with '角色' (juésè), mistakenly using them interchangeably. Remember, '主角' specifically refers to the lead role, while '角色' can mean any character in a story.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 主角

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Component Characters

主zhǔowner
HSK 75 strokes丶
View full entry
角jiǎoangle
HSK 37 strokes角
View full entry

How to say leading role in Chinese

“leading role” in Chinese is主角zhǔjué

The term '主角' (zhǔjué) refers to the leading character or protagonist in a narrative, whether it be in literature, film, or theater. It signifies the main figure around whom the story revolves, often facing challenges and driving the plot forward.

When to use 主角

In casual conversation, '主角' is often used to discuss movies or books. Be cautious with tone; '主' is pronounced with a third tone, and '角' with a second tone, which can be confused. A common collocation is '电影主角' (film protagonist).

主角 or something close to it

主角 (protagonist) vs 配角 (supporting character) — choose 主角 when referring to the main character, while 配角 refers to secondary characters who support the story.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '主角' with '角色' (juésè), mistakenly using them interchangeably. Remember, '主角' specifically refers to the lead role, while '角色' can mean any character in a story.

Write 主角

主
角

Practice writing 主角 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 主角

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The concept of a protagonist is universal, but in Chinese narratives, the focus might often be on the collective journey rather than just the individual, differing from many Western stories that emphasize personal heroism.

Frequently Asked Questions about 主角

'配角' (pèijiǎo) refers to supporting characters, whereas '主角' is the main character who leads the story.

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