Use '主に' to highlight the most significant part or primary reason for something.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to indicate the primary component or focus.
- Functions as an adverb modifying verbs or adjectives.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
Overview
「主に（おもに）」は、ある範囲内で最も大きな割合を占めるものや、中心となる対象を指すときに使われる副詞です。「メインとして」「ほとんど」という意味合いを持ちます。2) Usage Patterns: 基本的に動詞、形容詞、または文全体を修飾します。「〜は主に〜だ」「主に〜で構成されている」といった形で使われることが多いです。3) Common Contexts: 日常生活では食事や趣味について、ビジネスでは業務内容やターゲット層について、学術的には研究の対象や要因について言及する際に頻繁に登場します。4) Similar Words comparison: 「たいてい」は頻度（いつもに近い）を指すのに対し、「主に」は構成要素や中心的な対象（割合や重要度）を指します。「大部分」は名詞として「大部分の〜」のように使われ、「主に」は副詞として動作や状態を修飾する点が異なります。
Examples
私は主にコーヒーを飲みます。
everydayI mainly drink coffee.
この資料は主に統計データに基づいています。
formalThis document is primarily based on statistical data.
週末は主に映画を見て過ごす。
informalI spend most of my weekends watching movies.
この現象は主に気温の上昇が原因である。
academicThis phenomenon is mainly caused by the rise in temperature.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
主に〜として
mainly as
主に〜の役割
primary role
主に〜に依存する
mainly depend on
Often Confused With
Refers to frequency (usually). '主に' refers to the main component or focus.
A noun meaning 'the majority'. '主に' is an adverb that describes how something is done or composed.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '主に' to specify the main focus within a group or process. It is versatile and works well in both written and spoken Japanese. Avoid using it if the action is 100% exclusive; it implies there may be minor exceptions.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse it with 'たいてい' (usually). Remember that '主に' answers 'what' or 'which part', while 'たいてい' answers 'how often'. Do not put it at the very end of a sentence.
Tips
Focus on the primary factor
When describing a complex situation, use '主に' to isolate the most important cause. It helps your listener understand the main point immediately.
Avoid overuse in short sentences
Using '主に' too frequently in a short paragraph can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your vocabulary with synonyms like '中心に'.
Polite explanation in Japanese culture
Japanese communication values clarity. Using '主に' helps provide a structured explanation, which is highly appreciated in professional environments.
Word Origin
Derived from the noun 'おも（面/主）' meaning face or leader, plus the particle 'に'. It evolved to describe the most 'leading' or 'main' part of a situation.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, providing context and specifying the main point is valued for clarity. '主に' is a key tool for achieving this precision in business and academic communication.
Memory Tip
Think of 'O-mo-ni' as 'O-Main-ly'. The sound is similar, and it helps bridge the meaning of 'Main' to the Japanese word.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「主に」は中心的な要素や割合を指しますが、「たいてい」は頻度や可能性が高く、多くの場合はそうであるという性質を指します。
文頭や、修飾したい動詞の直前に置くのが最も自然です。文の途中に置くことで、何について説明しているかを明確にできます。
文脈によりますが、副次的なものを指す「副次的に」や、一部を指す「一部に」などが対照的です。
はい、非常に便利です。「本件は主に営業部で担当しております」のように、役割や責任の所在を伝える際に丁寧に使えます。
Test Yourself
このプロジェクトは___若手社員によって進められています。
プロジェクトの構成要素として中心的な役割を指すため「主に」が適切です。
「週末は___家で過ごします。」
週末の時間の使い方の中心が家であることを示しています。
（野菜を / 食べています / 私は / 主に）
主語＋副詞＋目的語＋動詞の語順が最も自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '主に' to highlight the most significant part or primary reason for something.
- Used to indicate the primary component or focus.
- Functions as an adverb modifying verbs or adjectives.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
Focus on the primary factor
When describing a complex situation, use '主に' to isolate the most important cause. It helps your listener understand the main point immediately.
Avoid overuse in short sentences
Using '主に' too frequently in a short paragraph can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your vocabulary with synonyms like '中心に'.
Polite explanation in Japanese culture
Japanese communication values clarity. Using '主に' helps provide a structured explanation, which is highly appreciated in professional environments.
Examples
4 of 4私は主にコーヒーを飲みます。
I mainly drink coffee.
この資料は主に統計データに基づいています。
This document is primarily based on statistical data.
週末は主に映画を見て過ごす。
I spend most of my weekends watching movies.
この現象は主に気温の上昇が原因である。
This phenomenon is mainly caused by the rise in temperature.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
