Meanings of 次要
By ear
Play it, then pick what 次要 means.
About 次要
Podcast: 次要
Podcast: 次要
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 次要
次要 (cìyào) vs 较少 (jiàoshǎo) — use 次要 when referring to something being secondary in importance, while 较少 emphasizes a lesser quantity or degree.
Learners often confuse '次要' with '主要' (zhǔ yào), which means 'primary'. Always ensure context clarifies whether you are discussing something of lesser importance. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in academic writing and everyday conversations.
As an HSK Level 5 word, '次要' connects with other vocabulary discussing importance, such as '主要' (primary) and '重要' (important). Focus on using it in contrast to these related terms to deepen your understanding.
Learners sometimes mix up '次要' with '不重要' (not important), incorrectly using them interchangeably. Remember, '次要' implies a relative importance rather than a complete lack of importance.
Pronunciation of 次要
Drill the tone of 次要 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 次要 to You
Let me explain 次要 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 次要 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 次要?
Learning Lab
Knowing 次要 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say secondary in Chinese
“secondary” in Chinese is次要
The term '次要' (ci4 yao4) means 'secondary' or 'less important' in English. It is often used to describe something that holds less significance compared to a primary subject or main focus, such as in discussions about priorities, roles, or features.
When to use 次要
Learners often confuse '次要' with '主要' (zhǔ yào), which means 'primary'. Always ensure context clarifies whether you are discussing something of lesser importance. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in academic writing and everyday conversations.
次要 or something close to it
次要 (cìyào) vs 较少 (jiàoshǎo) — use 次要 when referring to something being secondary in importance, while 较少 emphasizes a lesser quantity or degree.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mix up '次要' with '不重要' (not important), incorrectly using them interchangeably. Remember, '次要' implies a relative importance rather than a complete lack of importance.
Write 次要
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 次要 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 次要
次要 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
见解独到的人士要么被调往____的岗位,要么就不被提升。
Independent thinkers are shunted into minor jobs or refused promotion.
Example Sentences for 次要 (2)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 次要?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 次要
'次要' refers to something that is secondary or less important, while '主要' denotes the primary or main focus.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 次要?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.