Meanings of 首要
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AI Study Notes for 首要
重要 (zhòngyào) - use 首要 (shǒuyào) when emphasizing the highest level of importance, while 重要 (zhòngyào) conveys general significance.
Be cautious with the tone; the third tone in 首 (shǒu) can be pronounced incorrectly as a second tone, which changes the meaning. This word is more formal, often used in business or academic contexts. Common collocations include 首要任务 (shǒuyào rènwu - primary task) and 首要问题 (shǒuyào wèntí - primary issue).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 首要 is useful for discussing priorities and importance in advanced conversations. Focus on its usage in formal writing and speeches, and practice using it in sentences to express urgency or priority.
Learners often confuse 首要 with 主要 (zhǔyào - main), which is less about priority. For example, saying '这个是主要的任务' (zhège shì zhǔyào de rènwu - this is the main task) may miss the priority aspect that 首要 conveys. Instead, use '这个是首要的任务' (zhège shì shǒuyào de rènwu).
Pronunciation of 首要
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Component Characters
How to say the most important in Chinese
“the most important” in Chinese is首要
首要 (shǒuyào) refers to something that is of the utmost importance or priority. It is commonly used in contexts where one needs to emphasize the significance of a particular task, goal, or issue, often in comparison to others that may be less critical.
When to use 首要
Be cautious with the tone; the third tone in 首 (shǒu) can be pronounced incorrectly as a second tone, which changes the meaning. This word is more formal, often used in business or academic contexts. Common collocations include 首要任务 (shǒuyào rènwu - primary task) and 首要问题 (shǒuyào wèntí - primary issue).
首要 or something close to it
重要 (zhòngyào) - use 首要 (shǒuyào) when emphasizing the highest level of importance, while 重要 (zhòngyào) conveys general significance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 首要 with 主要 (zhǔyào - main), which is less about priority. For example, saying '这个是主要的任务' (zhège shì zhǔyào de rènwu - this is the main task) may miss the priority aspect that 首要 conveys. Instead, use '这个是首要的任务' (zhège shì shǒuyào de rènwu).
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Grammar Patterns of 首要
首要 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
接替他工作的____人选是玛格丽特·拉姆齐。
Prime candidate to take over his job is Margaret Ramsay.
Example Sentences for 首要 (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 首要
首要 is more commonly used in formal contexts such as business meetings or academic discussions rather than casual conversation.
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