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A2 noun #2,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

次要的

ci yao de Top 2,000

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. '次要的' (cìyào de) might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'not the first thing.' Imagine you have two toys. One is your favorite (主要的 - zhǔyào de), and the other is your second favorite (次要的). In A1, we focus on the basic idea that some things are more important than others. You might hear a teacher say 'This word is important, that word is secondary.' It helps you learn to prioritize your study. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but knowing that '次' means 'second' or 'next' is very helpful for your future Chinese learning. Just remember: '次要' = 'Second Important.'

At the A2 level, you can start using '次要的' to compare two things. You already know '重要' (important). Now, you can add '次要' to your vocabulary to show a hierarchy. For example, when talking about a job, you can say '工资是主要的，地点是次要的' (Salary is primary, location is secondary). This shows you can express more complex thoughts than just 'I like this' or 'I don't like that.' You are learning to weigh different factors. You will see this word in simple reading passages about planning a trip or choosing a school. It's a great word to use when you want to sound more organized in your speaking exams. It shows you understand that life isn't just black and white, but has different levels of importance.

At the B1 level, '次要的' becomes a tool for discussion and debate. You can use it to structure your opinions. When writing an essay about the environment, you might say 'While individual action is important, it is secondary to government policy.' This uses '次要的' to create a sophisticated argument. You will also encounter this word in news articles and TV shows. It's often used to describe '次要矛盾' (secondary contradictions) or '次要因素' (secondary factors). At this level, you should be comfortable using it with the particle '的' and understanding when it's used as a fixed phrase without '的'. It helps you move away from simple adjectives like '好' or '坏' and towards more precise, analytical language.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of '次要的' in professional and academic contexts. You'll see it in business reports, legal documents, and scientific papers. You should be able to distinguish it from similar words like '辅助' (auxiliary) or '从属' (subordinate). At this level, you might use '次要的' to describe complex systems, such as '次要反应' in chemistry or '次要情节' in a complex novel. You can also use it to express subtle social meanings, like acknowledging someone's contribution while gently pointing out it wasn't the main factor. Your use of the word should be fluid, and you should be able to recognize it even when it's used metaphorically or in high-level idiomatic structures.

At the C1 level, '次要的' is a word you use with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its historical roots and how it fits into the broader framework of Chinese logic and philosophy (like the 'Main and Secondary' distinction in dialectics). You can use it to critique complex theories or to write high-level policy briefs. You are aware of how the word functions in different registers—from the formal '次要地位' to the more conversational '这事儿次要'. You can also use it to discuss the 'secondary' nature of certain cultural phenomena in the face of globalization. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a conceptual tool that you use to categorize and analyze the world around you in a native-like way.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '次要的' is complete. You can use it in the most formal academic writing, in legal arguments, or in literary criticism with absolute accuracy. You understand the philosophical implications of 'secondary' in Chinese thought, such as the relationship between 'Ti' (substance) and 'Yong' (function), where one might be considered 'secondary' in a metaphysical sense. You can navigate the most complex texts where '次要' might be used to describe subtle shifts in power, priority, or meaning. You can also play with the word stylistically, perhaps using it ironically or to create a specific rhetorical effect. Your understanding of the word is deep, nuanced, and fully integrated into your command of the Chinese language at its highest level.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

次要的 en 30 secondes

次要的 (cìyào de) means 'secondary' or 'less important,' serving as the direct antonym to '主要的' (primary). It ranks items in a hierarchy.
It is primarily used as an adjective to modify nouns like '原因' (reason), '目标' (goal), or '地位' (status) in formal and semi-formal contexts.
In Chinese logic, it helps distinguish between the 'root' and the 'branches,' allowing for clear prioritization in decision-making and academic analysis.
While it implies lower priority, it does not mean 'unimportant'; rather, it signifies a subordinate role within a larger, structured system.

The term 次要的 (cìyào de) is a fundamental Chinese adjective used to describe things that are subordinate, secondary, or of lesser importance in a given hierarchy or context. It is the direct antonym of 主要的 (zhǔyào de), which means 'primary' or 'main'. Understanding this word requires a grasp of how Chinese categorizes priority. The character 次 (cì) originally referred to the order or sequence, often implying 'next' or 'second-rate,' while 要 (yào) signifies 'important' or 'essential.' When combined, they literally translate to 'secondarily important.'

Grammatical Function: It primarily functions as an attributive adjective, usually followed by the particle '的' to modify a noun. It can also serve as a predicative adjective in formal logic or comparative sentences.

在解决大问题时，细节往往是次要的。 (When solving big problems, details are often secondary.)

In a broader philosophical sense, '次要的' helps speakers navigate the complexity of decision-making. In Chinese culture, distinguishing between the 'root' (本 - běn) and the 'branches' (末 - mò) is a common cognitive framework. '次要的' aligns with the 'branches'—those aspects that are necessary but not the driving force of a situation. For instance, in a business negotiation, the color of the contract folder is 次要的, while the terms of the agreement are 主要的.

Semantic Range: It covers everything from 'minor' (as in a minor character in a play) to 'incidental' (as in incidental costs) to 'non-essential' (as in non-essential features of a product).

他的意见虽然是次要的，但仍然值得参考。 (Although his opinion is secondary, it is still worth considering.)

In academic writing, this word is indispensable for structuring arguments. Authors use it to delineate primary variables from secondary ones, ensuring that the reader understands the hierarchy of the evidence presented. It provides a linguistic tool for prioritization that is both objective and formal.

Etymological Nuance: The character '次' also appears in '名次' (ranking) and '层次' (level), reinforcing the idea that '次要' is about placement within a structured system rather than a lack of value.

我们必须分清主要矛盾和次要的矛盾。 (We must distinguish between the primary contradiction and the secondary contradictions.)

Finally, in daily life, '次要的' is used to manage expectations. If someone tells you a task is '次要的', they are giving you permission to prioritize other things first. It is a polite yet clear way to categorize tasks, people, or ideas without being dismissive.

金钱是次要的，健康才是第一位的。 (Money is secondary; health is the most important thing.)

这个计划的次要目标是增加品牌知名度。 (The secondary goal of this plan is to increase brand awareness.)

Using 次要的 (cìyào de) correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence and the subtle difference between using it with or without the particle '的'. While '次要' can stand alone in some compound words or formal phrases, '次要的' is the standard form for modifying nouns in modern Mandarin.

Standard Pattern: [Noun] + 是 + 次要的 (Something is secondary) or 次要的 + [Noun] (Secondary something).

When you want to emphasize that one thing is less important than another, you often use the structure 'A 是主要的，B 是次要的'. This creates a clear contrast. For example, '质量是主要的，价格是次要的' (Quality is primary, price is secondary). This structure is very common in business and academic contexts where priorities must be explicitly stated.

在这次旅行中，购物是次要的，休息才是目的。 (In this trip, shopping is secondary; resting is the goal.)

Another common usage is in the phrase '次要地位' (secondary position/status). You might say '他在公司里处于次要地位' (He holds a secondary position in the company). Here, '次要' modifies '地位' directly. Notice that in formal compound nouns like this, the '的' is often omitted to make the phrase more concise and professional.

Comparative Use: You can use '相对' (relatively) or '比较' (comparatively) with '次要' to soften the statement: '这是一个相对次要的问题' (This is a relatively secondary issue).

比起安全，舒适度是次要的。 (Compared to safety, comfort is secondary.)

In writing, '次要的' is often used to introduce supporting details. For instance, '除了主要原因，还有一些次要的因素' (Besides the main reason, there are some secondary factors). This helps the reader follow the hierarchy of your logic. It is also used in scientific reports to describe '次要反应' (secondary reactions) or '次要影响' (secondary effects).

Formal vs. Informal: In casual speech, people might just say '不重要' (not important). '次要' is more precise and sounds more educated or professional.

我们先把主要工作做完，次要的事以后再说。 (Let's finish the main work first; secondary matters can be discussed later.)

Finally, be careful with the word order. While in English you might say 'The secondary importance of...', in Chinese you would say '...的次要性' (the secondariness of...) or simply use '次要的' as an adjective. '次要的' always points towards a noun, even if that noun is implied by the context.

别在次要的细节上浪费太多时间。 (Don't waste too much time on secondary details.)

这些次要的矛盾可以以后再处理。 (These secondary contradictions can be handled later.)

You will encounter 次要的 (cìyào de) in a variety of settings, ranging from professional environments to educational contexts. It is a staple of 'Standard Mandarin' (Putonghua) and is frequently used in media, literature, and formal discussions. Because it deals with priority, it is particularly common in places where decisions are made or results are analyzed.

In the Workplace: During project planning meetings, managers often use '次要的' to categorize tasks. '这个功能的开发是次要的' (The development of this feature is secondary). It helps the team focus on the 'MVP' (Minimum Viable Product).

In the news and political discourse, '次要的' is used to describe diplomatic relations or economic factors. A news anchor might say, '尽管存在一些次要的分歧，两国关系总体稳定' (Despite some secondary differences, the relationship between the two countries is generally stable). Here, it serves to downplay conflicts in favor of a larger positive narrative.

在新闻发布会上，发言人强调这些问题是次要的。 (At the press conference, the spokesperson emphasized that these issues are secondary.)

In academic settings, teachers and professors use '次要的' to guide students. In a literature class, a teacher might distinguish between '主要人物' (protagonist) and '次要人物' (supporting characters). In a science lab, a researcher might discuss '次要产物' (by-products) of a chemical reaction. It is a key term for analytical thinking.

In Literature and Media: Novels often use '次要的' to describe settings or background events that provide context without driving the main plot. Movie reviews might critique a film for spending too much time on '次要的情节' (secondary plots).

老师说，考试时不要在次要的题目上纠结。 (The teacher said not to get hung up on secondary questions during the exam.)

In daily conversations, especially among parents and children or mentors and mentees, '次要的' is used for life advice. A parent might tell a child, '成绩固然重要，但比起人品，那是次要的' (Grades are certainly important, but compared to character, they are secondary). This usage reflects the moral and hierarchical values inherent in the language.

In Legal and Official Documents: Contracts might specify '次要条款' (secondary clauses) which are less critical than the '核心条款' (core clauses). Understanding this distinction is vital for legal compliance.

合同中规定，这些是次要的违约责任。 (The contract stipulates that these are secondary liabilities for breach of contract.)

Finally, you'll hear it in self-help and productivity podcasts. Speakers often talk about '次要任务' (secondary tasks) and how to delegate them so you can focus on your '主要目标' (primary goals). It is a word that helps people organize their lives and thoughts.

在追求梦想的过程中，一时的困难都是次要的。 (In the process of pursuing dreams, temporary difficulties are secondary.)

对于一个厨师来说，摆盘是次要的，味道才是核心。 (For a chef, plating is secondary; taste is the core.)

While 次要的 (cìyào de) is a relatively straightforward word, learners often make specific errors related to its intensity, its grammatical role, and its confusion with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing '次要' with '不重要': '不重要' (bù zhòngyào) means 'not important' or 'unimportant'. '次要' means 'secondary'. If something is '次要', it still matters, but it's not the top priority. Saying something is '不重要' can sometimes be too dismissive.

Another common error is using '次要' as a verb. In English, we might say 'to secondary something' (though rare), but in Chinese, '次要' is strictly an adjective. You cannot say '他次要了我的建议' (He secondaried my suggestion). Instead, you should say '他认为我的建议是次要的' (He thought my suggestion was secondary).

错误：这件事很次要。(Incorrect: This matter is very secondary - sounds slightly awkward without '的' or a comparison.)
正确：这件事是次要的。 (Correct: This matter is secondary.)

Learners also confuse '次要' (cìyào) with '其次' (qícì). '其次' is a conjunction meaning 'secondly' or 'next'. You use '其次' to list items: '首先...其次...' (First... secondly...). You use '次要' to describe the quality of importance. You wouldn't say '我的次要理由是...' (My secondary reason is...) using '其次'.

Mistake 2: Overusing '次要的' for 'Small': Don't use '次要' when you just mean 'small' (小) or 'minor' (轻微). For example, a 'minor injury' is '轻伤' (qīngshāng), not '次要的伤'. '次要' is about hierarchy and importance, not physical size or intensity.

错误：他是我的次要朋友。 (Incorrect: He is my secondary friend - sounds very cold and unnatural.)
正确：他是我比较疏远的朋友。 (Correct: He is a more distant friend of mine.)

In terms of pronunciation, learners sometimes mispronounce '次' (cì) as 'chì' or 'sì'. '次' is a dental sibilant (like the 'ts' in 'cats'). Mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with '主要' (zhǔyào) if the listener is only catching the 'yào' part. Clear tones are essential here, as 'cì' is 4th tone (falling).

Mistake 3: Misplacing '的': When '次要' is part of a set term like '次要矛盾' (secondary contradiction), adding '的' (次要的矛盾) is grammatically correct but less 'native' in a formal academic context. Learn which terms are fixed.

注意：在学术讨论中，通常说“次要因素”而不是“次要的因素”。 (Note: In academic discussions, people usually say 'secondary factors' without 'de'.)

Finally, avoid using '次要的' to describe people in a derogatory way unless you are specifically talking about their role in a project or story. Calling a person '次要的' (a secondary person) can sound like you are devaluing their human worth, which is a social faux pas.

在剧本中，他只是一个次要的配角。 (In the script, he is just a secondary supporting character.)

别担心那些次要的小事。 (Don't worry about those secondary trifles.)

To truly master 次要的 (cìyào de), it is helpful to compare it with other words that occupy the same semantic space. Chinese has many ways to express 'lesser' or 'secondary', each with its own nuance and context.

次要的 vs. 辅助的 (fǔzhù de): '辅助的' means 'auxiliary' or 'assistant'. While '次要' describes importance, '辅助' describes function. An auxiliary engine (辅助发动机) is there to help the main one, but it's not necessarily 'less important' in a hierarchy—it's just a different role.

'次要的' focuses on the ranking of importance. '辅助的' focuses on the supportive nature of the thing. You might have a '次要目标' (secondary goal) that doesn't support the main goal at all, but an '辅助目标' (auxiliary goal) is specifically designed to help achieve the main one.

这个工具起到了辅助的作用，但它的地位是次要的。 (This tool played an auxiliary role, but its status is secondary.)

次要的 vs. 附属的 (fùshǔ de): '附属的' means 'attached' or 'affiliated'. It implies a relationship of ownership or belonging. A '附属医院' (affiliated hospital) belongs to a university. '次要' doesn't imply ownership, just lower priority.

'附属' is often used for organizations or physical structures. '次要' is used for abstract concepts like reasons, factors, or goals. You wouldn't call a secondary reason an '附属原因' unless it was literally attached to the main reason in some technical way.

这些附属设施对我们来说是次要的。 (These affiliated facilities are secondary to us.)

次要的 vs. 琐碎的 (suǒsuì de): '琐碎的' means 'trivial' or 'trifling'. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the things are small, numerous, and annoying. '次要' is a neutral, objective term for ranking. A '次要问题' might be a very large, serious problem that just happens to be less urgent than the '主要问题'.

不要被这些琐碎的家务事分散了注意力。 (Don't let these trivial household chores distract you.)

Finally, consider 从属的 (cóngshǔ de), which means 'subordinate' or 'dependent'. This is often used in grammar (从句 - subordinate clause) or in hierarchical relationships where one thing is under the control of another. '次要' is about importance; '从属' is about control and structure.

在法律上，这是从属的权利。 (Legally, this is a subordinate right.)

这只是一个次要的技术细节。 (This is just a secondary technical detail.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

这个不重要，是次要的。

This is not important; it's secondary.

Simple 'A is B' structure.

我们要学主要的词，次要的词以后学。

We should learn main words; secondary words we learn later.

Contrast between 主要 and 次要.

第一名很重要，第二名是次要的。

First place is very important; second place is secondary.

Using numbers to show hierarchy.

颜色是次要的，大小很重要。

Color is secondary; size is very important.

Comparing two attributes.

那是次要的问题。

That is a secondary question.

Attributive use with '的'.

主要的人在这里，次要的人在那里。

The main people are here; the secondary people are there.

Using '的人' to describe groups.

次要的事情可以明天做。

Secondary things can be done tomorrow.

Subject of the sentence.

这个苹果很大，红不红是次要的。

This apple is big; whether it's red or not is secondary.

Using 'A 不 A' as a subject.

在学习中，兴趣是主要的，成绩是次要的。

In learning, interest is primary, and grades are secondary.

Parallel structure for contrast.

我们先讨论主要问题，次要的问题等一下再说。

Let's discuss the main issues first; we'll talk about secondary ones later.

Using '先...再...' with 次要.

对他来说，赚钱是次要的，快乐最重要。

For him, making money is secondary; happiness is most important.

Prepositional phrase '对...来说'.

这件衣服的款式很好，颜色是次要的。

The style of this dress is good; the color is secondary.

Describing attributes of an object.

虽然这是个次要的原因，但你也要注意。

Although this is a secondary reason, you should also pay attention.

Using '虽然...但...'.

在这次比赛中，结果是次要的，过程更重要。

In this competition, the result is secondary; the process is more important.

Comparative '更' used with the opposite.

次要的细节不需要写在报告里。

Secondary details don't need to be written in the report.

Negative '不需要'.

他只负责一些次要的工作。

He is only responsible for some secondary work.

Using '只负责' to limit scope.

我们必须分清主要矛盾和次要矛盾。

We must distinguish between the primary contradiction and the secondary contradiction.

Fixed philosophical/logical phrase.

在这个项目中，成本控制是主要的，时间是次要的。

In this project, cost control is primary, and time is secondary.

Abstract nouns as subjects.

除了主要演员，次要角色也演得很好。

Besides the lead actors, the secondary characters also performed well.

Using '除了...也...'.

这篇文章的次要观点是为了支持中心思想。

The secondary points of this article are meant to support the central idea.

Using '是为了' to show purpose.

他认为个人的利益在集体利益面前是次要的。

He believes that individual interests are secondary to collective interests.

Using '在...面前' for comparison.

虽然有一些次要的缺点，但这个方案总体上是可行的。

Although there are some secondary flaws, this plan is feasible overall.

Using '总体上' for summary.

在紧急情况下，舒适感是次要的，安全才是第一位的。

In an emergency, comfort is secondary; safety is the top priority.

Conditional '在...情况下'.

这些次要的因素加在一起，也可能产生很大的影响。

These secondary factors, when added together, can also have a significant impact.

Using '加在一起' to show accumulation.

该报告详细分析了主要原因，并简略提到了次要原因。

The report analyzed the main reasons in detail and briefly mentioned the secondary reasons.

Formal verb '分析' and '提到'.

在国际贸易中，关税有时只是一个次要的障碍。

In international trade, tariffs are sometimes only a secondary obstacle.

Contextualizing in a professional field.

由于主要目标已经达成，次要目标的完成情况就不那么关键了。

Since the primary goal has been achieved, the completion of secondary goals is less critical.

Causal '由于...就...'.

他总是纠结于次要的细节，而忽略了整体的进度。

He always gets hung up on secondary details while ignoring the overall progress.

Using '纠结于' (obsess over).

这种药物的次要副作用包括轻微的头痛。

Secondary side effects of this medication include mild headaches.

Scientific/Medical context.

在法律解释中，立法者的次要意图有时也需要考虑。

In legal interpretation, the secondary intent of the legislators sometimes needs to be considered.

Legal terminology.

尽管他在团队中处于次要地位，但他的贡献不可忽视。

Despite his secondary position in the team, his contribution cannot be ignored.

Using '不可忽视' (cannot be ignored).

我们应该把精力集中在核心业务上，将次要业务外包。

We should focus our energy on core business and outsource secondary business.

Business strategy context.

在宏观经济调控中，某些次要指标的波动是可以容忍的。

In macroeconomic regulation, fluctuations in certain secondary indicators are tolerable.

High-level economic terminology.

这种文学批评方法往往将文本的社会背景视为次要的。

This method of literary criticism often regards the social context of the text as secondary.

Academic '视为' (regard as).

在处理复杂的历史事件时，必须剔除那些次要的干扰因素。

When dealing with complex historical events, those secondary distracting factors must be eliminated.

Formal verb '剔除' (eliminate/weed out).

该学说认为，意识形态在社会发展中起着次要的、派生的作用。

The theory holds that ideology plays a secondary, derivative role in social development.

Philosophical '派生的' (derivative).

虽然这些证据是次要的，但它们为案件提供了重要的佐证。

Although this evidence is secondary, it provides important corroboration for the case.

Legal '佐证' (corroboration).

在全球化背景下，民族国家的传统边界正变得相对次要。

In the context of globalization, the traditional borders of nation-states are becoming relatively secondary.

Sociopolitical analysis.

他在演讲中巧妙地将次要矛盾转化为主要矛盾，从而赢得了支持。

In his speech, he skillfully transformed secondary contradictions into primary ones, thereby winning support.

Rhetorical analysis.

这种艺术风格强调直觉，而将技巧视为次要的表达手段。

This artistic style emphasizes intuition and regards technique as a secondary means of expression.

Artistic criticism.

在本体论的探讨中，现象往往被归结为本质的次要表现。

In ontological inquiries, phenomena are often reduced to secondary manifestations of essence.

Metaphysical terminology.

该政策的次要效应在数十年后才逐渐显现，引发了深思。

The secondary effects of the policy only gradually emerged decades later, sparking deep reflection.

Long-term causal analysis.

他试图通过解构主要叙事，来揭示那些被边缘化、被视为次要的声音。

He attempts to reveal those voices that have been marginalized and deemed secondary by deconstructing the main narrative.

Post-structuralist terminology.

在这一复杂的生态系统中，单一物种的灭绝可能最初被认为是次要的，但最终会导致系统崩溃。

In this complex ecosystem, the extinction of a single species might initially be considered secondary, but it eventually leads to system collapse.

Ecological system analysis.

法律的程序正义绝非次要的装饰，而是实体正义的根本保障。

Procedural justice in law is by no means a secondary decoration; it is the fundamental guarantee of substantive justice.

Legal philosophy.

他那看似次要的笔触，实则构成了整幅画作的神韵所在。

His seemingly secondary brushstrokes actually constitute the very soul of the entire painting.

Aesthetic analysis.

在博弈论中，次要参与者的策略选择有时能决定最终的均衡状态。

In game theory, the strategic choices of secondary players can sometimes determine the final equilibrium state.

Mathematical/Economic theory.

这种对次要细节的极致追求，体现了工匠精神的精髓。

This ultimate pursuit of secondary details embodies the essence of the craftsman spirit.

Cultural/Philosophical praise.

Collocations courantes

次要地位

次要因素

次要矛盾

次要原因

次要目标

次要角色

次要任务

次要情节

次要副作用

次要问题

Phrases Courantes

处于次要地位

分清主次

次要的细节

相对次要

次要的影响

次要的成员

次要的特征

次要的职责

次要的证据

次要的环节

Souvent confondu avec

次要的 vs 其次

其次 is a conjunction (secondly); 次要 is an adjective (secondary).

次要的 vs 次等

次等 implies lower quality/grade; 次要 implies lower priority/importance.

次要的 vs 不重要

不重要 is 'not important'; 次要 is 'secondary' (still has some importance).

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

次要的 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

'次要' is more formal than '不重要'.

collocation limit

Rarely used to describe people's personalities (e.g., don't say 'a secondary person').

Erreurs courantes

Using '其次' when you mean '次要'.
Saying '次要的人' to mean a 'bad person'.
Using '次要' as a verb.
Forgetting the '的' in '这是次要的'.
Confusing '次要' with '次品' (defective goods).

Astuces

Using with '的'

Always use '的' when '次要' is used as a standalone adjective in a sentence like '这是次要的'.

Learn the Pair

Always learn '主要' and '次要' together. They are like 'Main' and 'Side' in English.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure both 'cì' and 'yào' are sharp falling tones. This makes you sound more confident.

Academic Style

In essays, use '次要' to show you can categorize information logically.

The Root and Branch

Remember the 'Ben-Mo' (Root-Branch) concept to understand why '次要' is used this way.

Contrast Cues

When you hear '虽然' (although), listen for '次要' in the following clause.

Prioritization

Use '次要' to manage expectations in business emails.

主次分明

Memorize this idiom to describe a clear and organized person or plan.

Relative Importance

Remember that '次要' is relative. Something can be secondary in one context but primary in another.

Polite Disagreement

Use '这或许是次要的' to gently steer a conversation away from a minor point.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

次 (cì) originally meant 'to halt' or 'a place to stay,' evolving to mean 'order' or 'second.' 要 (yào) originally depicted a person with hands on their waist, meaning 'waist,' later evolving to 'essential' or 'important.'

Contexte culturel

Using '次要' can be a way to politely redirect focus in a meeting without being confrontational.

Reflects the dialectical view of contradictions (Maoist theory of 'Primary and Secondary Contradictions').

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"你觉得在工作中，什么是主要的，什么是次要的？"

"对于一个好的城市来说，环境是次要的吗？"

"在选择伴侣时，你认为长相是次要的吗？"

"你如何处理生活中那些次要的任务？"

"在学习外语时，语法和词汇哪个更次要？"

Sujets d'écriture

写一写你今天完成的三个主要任务和三个次要任务。

描述一次你因为纠结于次要细节而耽误了大事的经历。

论述为什么在某些情况下，次要的目标反而更难达成。

如果你要搬家，哪些东西是主要的，哪些是次要的？

反思一下，你过去认为重要但现在觉得次要的事情。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. It sounds like you are devaluing them. Use it for roles (like '次要角色' - supporting character) but not for people's worth.

Yes, it is more formal than '不重要'. It is very common in writing and professional speech.

'其次' is used to list things (First... Second...). '次要' is used to describe how important something is.

Yes, although '次要' is technically non-gradable, people often say '非常次要' or '比较次要' to show degrees.

In Chinese, it's '中学' (zhōngxué). You don't use the word '次要' for school levels.

Not always. In fixed phrases like '次要矛盾' or '次要地位', the '的' is often omitted.

No, 'second hand' is '二手' (èrshǒu).

No, it's a neutral term. It just means it's not the first priority.

You can say '金钱是次要的' (Money is secondary).

The most common opposite is '主要' (zhǔyào).