主张 in 30 Seconds
- 主张 (zhǔzhāng) means 'to advocate' or 'a position'. It is used for formal opinions and policy stances.
- As a verb, it is followed by the action or idea you support (e.g., 主张和平).
- As a noun, it refers to the proposal itself (e.g., 他的主张).
- It is more formal than '觉得' and more assertive than '建议'.
The term 主张 (zhǔzhāng) is a versatile and essential word in intermediate to advanced Chinese, functioning as both a verb and a noun. At its core, it represents the act of advocating for a specific idea, policy, or course of action, or the specific stance one holds. Unlike the simpler '觉得' (juéde - to feel) or '认为' (rènwéi - to think), 主张 carries a weight of conviction and public declaration. It is not just a private thought; it is a position you are willing to defend or promote in a formal or semi-formal setting.
- As a Verb (To Advocate)
- When used as a verb, it means to actively support or propose a certain way of doing things. For example, '我主张和平解决' (I advocate for a peaceful solution). It implies a proactive stance.
- As a Noun (Position/Stand)
- As a noun, it refers to the actual opinion or proposal itself. For instance, '这是他的政治主张' (This is his political position/platform). It is the 'what' of the advocacy.
- Etymological Nuance
- The character '主' (zhǔ) means host, master, or main, while '张' (zhāng) means to spread, open, or display. Together, they suggest 'making one's primary view known' or 'expanding one's main idea'.
“在这次会议上，他主张加大对教育的投入。” (At this meeting, he advocated for increasing investment in education.)
In a broader sense, 主张 reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on having a clear 'stand' (立场 - lìchǎng) in social and political life. Whether it is a doctor advocating for a specific treatment or a politician advocating for a new law, the word signifies a commitment to a specific path. It is often paired with abstract nouns like '和平' (peace), '改革' (reform), or '正义' (justice).
“法律主张公平公正。” (The law stands for fairness and justice.)
Using 主张 (zhǔzhāng) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as the main predicate of a sentence or as the object of a verb like '提出' (tíchū - to put forward).
1. The Verb Pattern: Subject + 主张 + [Action/Clause]
This is the most common way to use the word. You are stating what someone thinks should be done.
- 我们主张保护环境。 (We advocate for protecting the environment.)
- 他不主张现在就做决定。 (He doesn't advocate for making a decision right now.)
2. The Noun Pattern: [Possessive] + 主张
Here, it refers to the idea itself. It often follows verbs like '提出' (propose), '坚持' (insist on), or '放弃' (give up).
- 他提出了一个新的主张。 (He proposed a new position/idea.)
- 每个人都有自己的主张。 (Everyone has their own views/proposals.)
“你有什么好的主张吗？” (Do you have any good suggestions/proposals?)
3. Common Collocations
- 基本主张 (jīběn zhǔzhāng)
- Basic position / Fundamental claim
- 一贯主张 (yīguàn zhǔzhāng)
- Consistent stand / Always advocated
- 主张权利 (zhǔzhāng quánlì)
- To assert one's rights
- 不同主张 (bùtóng zhǔzhāng)
- Differing views / Opposing proposals
You will encounter 主张 in various professional and intellectual spheres. It is a staple of formal Chinese communication.
1. News and Politics
In news broadcasts (CCTV, Xinhua), you will frequently hear about the 'Chinese position' or a 'leader's proposal'.
“中方一贯主张通过对话解决争端。” (China has always advocated for resolving disputes through dialogue.)
2. Legal and Rights Contexts
In a legal setting, '主张' is used when a party asserts a claim or a right. It is a technical term for 'to claim' or 'to maintain'.
“原告主张被告应支付赔偿金。” (The plaintiff claims that the defendant should pay compensation.)
3. Academic and Intellectual Debates
Scholars use '主张' to describe the theories or schools of thought they support. It is common in essays and lectures.
“这位学者主张从历史的角度分析问题。” (This scholar advocates for analyzing the problem from a historical perspective.)
Even advanced learners sometimes misuse 主张 by confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words.
1. Confusing with 建议 (jiànyì)
While both can involve giving an idea, 建议 is a suggestion for others to consider, often helpful or advisory. 主张 is a firm stance or advocacy of a principle.
- ❌ Incorrect:
- “我主张你今天穿这件衣服。” (Too formal/heavy for choosing clothes.)
- ✅ Correct:
- “我建议你今天穿这件衣服。”
2. Confusing with 意见 (yìjiàn)
意见 usually refers to an opinion, feedback, or even a complaint. 主张 is a proactive proposal or a systematic view.
- ❌ Incorrect:
- “你对他有什么主张？” (Unless you mean 'what proposal do you have for him', which is rare.)
- ✅ Correct:
- “你对他有什么意见？” (What is your opinion/complaint about him?)
3. Using it for Trivial Matters
主张 is a 'big' word. Don't use it for what you want to eat for lunch unless you are making a humorous point about your 'philosophy of food'.
Understanding the synonyms of 主张 helps you refine your expression and choose the most precise word for the context.
- 提倡 (tíchàng) - To Promote/Encourage
- Focuses on encouraging a good habit or a positive social trend.
Example: 提倡节约 (Promote thriftiness). - 倡导 (chàngdǎo) - To Initiate/Lead
- Often used for leaders or organizations starting a movement.
Example: 倡导绿色出行 (Advocate for green travel). - 观点 (guāndiǎn) - Viewpoint
- A noun referring to one's perspective. Less 'active' than '主张'.
Example: 阐述观点 (Explain a viewpoint). - 立场 (lìchǎng) - Stand/Position
- Focuses on the 'ground' one stands on in a conflict or debate.
Example: 坚定立场 (Hold a firm stand).
“虽然他们的观点相似，但解决问题的主张却完全不同。” (Although their viewpoints are similar, their proposed solutions are completely different.)
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Verb-Object structures
Noun phrases with '的'
Clauses as objects
Adverbial modification
Passive voice with '被' (rare for this word)
Examples by Level
老师主张我们多听音乐。
The teacher advocates for us to listen to more music.
Subject + 主张 + [Clause]
我不主张现在去。
I don't advocate going now.
Negative: 不 + 主张
他主张喝热水。
He advocates for drinking hot water.
Simple verb usage.
你有什么主张？
What is your proposal?
Noun usage: 什么 + 主张
我主张大家一起玩。
I advocate for everyone playing together.
Advocating for a group action.
爸爸主张早起。
Dad advocates for waking up early.
Subject + 主张 + Verb
这是一个好主张。
This is a good proposal.
Adjective + 主张
谁主张去北京？
Who advocates for going to Beijing?
Interrogative subject.
医生主张少吃糖。
The doctor advocates for eating less sugar.
Professional advice context.
公司主张创新。
The company advocates for innovation.
Abstract noun as object.
他主张用这种方法。
He advocates for using this method.
Advocating for a method.
我不主张在这里停车。
I don't advocate for parking here.
Negative advocacy.
这是谁的主张？
Whose proposal is this?
Possessive + 主张
她主张保护小动物。
She advocates for protecting small animals.
Moral/Ethical stance.
我们主张公平竞争。
We advocate for fair competition.
Formal social concept.
他主张先休息一下。
He advocates for taking a break first.
Temporal advocacy.
专家主张采取更严厉的措施。
Experts advocate for taking stricter measures.
Formal policy context.
你主张的理由是什么？
What is the reason for your position?
主张 used as a noun with 'reason'.
政府主张和平发展。
The government advocates for peaceful development.
Political discourse.
我主张把钱存起来。
I advocate for saving the money.
Financial stance.
他主张男女平等。
He advocates for gender equality.
Social principle.
双方的主张有很大分歧。
There is a big difference between the positions of the two sides.
Noun usage in conflict context.
法律主张保护受害者的权利。
The law stands for protecting the rights of victims.
Legal principle.
他主张通过教育改变命运。
He advocates for changing one's destiny through education.
Philosophical stance.
他一贯主张自由贸易。
He has always advocated for free trade.
Adverb '一贯' + 主张.
这个主张得到了大多数人的支持。
This proposal received the support of most people.
Passive support for a noun.
我们不能盲目主张某种理论。
We cannot blindly advocate for a certain theory.
Adverb '盲目' + 主张.
他主张在法律框架内解决问题。
He advocates for solving problems within the legal framework.
Prepositional phrase + 主张.
他的政治主张非常激进。
His political views are very radical.
Political terminology.
法律上主张“谁主张，谁举证”。
In law, it is maintained that 'he who asserts must prove'.
Famous legal maxim.
她主张把艺术融入日常生活。
She advocates for integrating art into daily life.
Abstract integration.
这篇文章主张对历史进行重新评价。
This article advocates for a re-evaluation of history.
Academic advocacy.
该学派主张人性本善。
This school of thought maintains that human nature is inherently good.
Philosophical doctrine.
律师主张撤销原判。
The lawyer advocates for/claims the reversal of the original judgment.
Legal claim.
他主张的经济政策引发了广泛争议。
The economic policies he advocated sparked widespread controversy.
Relative clause: [He advocated] economic policies.
这种主张在当时是具有革命性的。
This position was revolutionary at the time.
Historical analysis.
我们应当主张自己的合法权益。
We should assert our own legal rights and interests.
Asserting rights.
他主张以发展的眼光看问题。
He advocates for looking at problems from a developmental perspective.
Metaphorical perspective.
这些主张构成了他思想的核心。
These propositions form the core of his thought.
Systemic thought.
他主张废除不合理的规章制度。
He advocates for the abolition of unreasonable rules and regulations.
Institutional reform.
该理论主张主体性在认知过程中的决定作用。
The theory maintains the decisive role of subjectivity in the cognitive process.
Epistemological claim.
在国际关系中，中方主张构建人类命运共同体。
In international relations, China advocates for building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Diplomatic doctrine.
辩方律师主张证据不足，应判无罪。
The defense lawyer claims insufficient evidence and argues for an acquittal.
Complex legal argument.
他的文学主张深受存在主义的影响。
His literary views are deeply influenced by existentialism.
Intellectual history.
这种主张无异于饮鸩止渴。
This proposal is no different from drinking poison to quench thirst.
Idiomatic comparison.
他主张通过渐进式的改革来实现社会转型。
He advocates for achieving social transformation through incremental reform.
Sociopolitical theory.
法律并不主张惩罚本身，而是主张矫正。
The law does not advocate for punishment itself, but for correction.
Legal philosophy.
这些主张在学术界引起了长达十年的论战。
These propositions sparked a decade-long debate in academic circles.
Academic impact.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Suggestion vs. Advocacy/Stance
Opinion/Feedback vs. Formal Proposal
Point of view (static) vs. Advocacy (active)
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
It is more active than '认为'. '认为' is just a thought; '主张' is a thought you want to implement.
High. Avoid in very casual conversations about trivial things.
- Using it for trivial choices (e.g., lunch).
- Confusing it with '建议' (polite suggestion).
- Forgetting it can be a noun.
- Mispronouncing the tones (3rd and 1st).
- Using it as a synonym for '认为' in purely subjective, non-advocacy contexts.
Tips
Formal Writing
In essays, use '主张' to introduce your thesis statement. It makes your argument sound more grounded and professional. It shows you have a clear stance.
Pairing with Adverbs
Combine with '坚决' (resolutely) or '强烈' (strongly) to show intensity. For example: '他坚决主张撤军'. This adds emotional weight to your advocacy.
Cultural Weight
In Chinese culture, having '主见' (one's own opinion) is related to '主张'. A person without '主张' is often seen as '随大流' (following the crowd).
Legal Assertions
If you are reading a Chinese contract or legal case, look for '主张'. It identifies the specific claims being made by the parties involved.
Theories
When summarizing a philosopher's work, use '主张' to list their main tenets. '孔子主张仁爱' (Confucius advocated for benevolence).
Debating
Use '我不主张...' to politely but firmly disagree with a proposed plan. It sounds more intellectual than '我不同意'.
News Keywords
In news about international relations, '中方主张' is a signal that the official government position is about to be stated.
Noun vs Verb
Remember that as a noun, it can be modified by '这种' or '那个'. As a verb, it can take a full sentence as its object.
Character Breakdown
Focus on '张' (to spread). Think of spreading a map or a banner of your ideas (主).
Conviction
Only use '主张' when you are relatively sure or when the topic is significant. It's a word of conviction.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Ancient Chinese texts. '主' (master/ruler) + '张' (to spread/display). Originally meant the ruler's decree or the master's intent being spread.
Cultural Context
China's 'Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence' are often referred to as their '一贯主张'.
Teachers often encourage students to have their own '主张' (independent thinking) rather than just following textbooks.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"关于这个问题，你有什么主张？"
"你主张用什么样的方式解决这个矛盾？"
"在教育孩子方面，你主张严厉还是宽松？"
"你同意这位专家的主张吗？"
"如果让你主张一项改革，你会选什么？"
Journal Prompts
写一写你对环境保护的主张。
描述一个你曾经坚持的主张，以及为什么。
如果你是市长，你会主张哪些政策？
谈谈你对‘男女平等’这一主张的看法。
记录一次你和别人主张不一致的经历。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be used in medicine, art, education, and daily life for any serious proposal. For example, a doctor can advocate for a specific diet. It is about the 'weight' of the idea, not just the topic.
Yes, it can mean to assert a fact or a right. However, '声称' (shēngchēng) is more common for 'claiming' something that might not be true. '主张' usually implies a legitimate stand.
'提倡' is usually for promoting positive behaviors or habits to a wide audience (like 'promoting' healthy eating). '主张' is more about a specific position or solution in a debate or decision-making process.
Generally, no. Saying '我主张去买苹果' sounds unnaturally formal. Use '我想' or '我们去...吧'. Use '主张' for things like 'I advocate for buying local produce'.
You can say '我没有什么特别的主张' (I don't have any particular proposal/stand). This sounds more professional than '我没意见'.
Yes, it is a core word for HSK 5 and above, but B1 learners should start recognizing it in formal texts.
Not usually. It is neutral. However, someone might have a 'radical' (激进) or 'wrong' (错误) 主张.
It is a legal principle: 'He who makes a claim must provide the evidence.' It's a very common phrase in Chinese law and logic.
It is not a common name, though the characters are positive. It would sound very 'ideological'.
Yes, it often implies that the person advocating wants the idea to be put into practice.
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Summary
主张 is a high-frequency word for professional and intellectual Chinese. Use it when you want to express a firm stance, propose a formal solution, or describe a person's core beliefs and platforms.
- 主张 (zhǔzhāng) means 'to advocate' or 'a position'. It is used for formal opinions and policy stances.
- As a verb, it is followed by the action or idea you support (e.g., 主张和平).
- As a noun, it refers to the proposal itself (e.g., 他的主张).
- It is more formal than '觉得' and more assertive than '建议'.
Formal Writing
In essays, use '主张' to introduce your thesis statement. It makes your argument sound more grounded and professional. It shows you have a clear stance.
Pairing with Adverbs
Combine with '坚决' (resolutely) or '强烈' (strongly) to show intensity. For example: '他坚决主张撤军'. This adds emotional weight to your advocacy.
Cultural Weight
In Chinese culture, having '主见' (one's own opinion) is related to '主张'. A person without '主张' is often seen as '随大流' (following the crowd).
Legal Assertions
If you are reading a Chinese contract or legal case, look for '主张'. It identifies the specific claims being made by the parties involved.
Example
他主张政府应该加大对教育的投入。
Related Content
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
