zung1 sam1 si1 soeng2中心思想

Jyutpingzung1 sam1 si1 soeng2

Yalejūng sām sī séung

Definition

The main idea, central theme, or core message of a text, speech, or concept.

neutralschoolcommunication

How it's used

Primarily used in academic or formal contexts like literature classes or essay analysis. It carries a slightly rigid, analytical tone that feels out of place in casual, everyday conversation about personal topics. When discussing casual opinions, people usually prefer using 重點 or 主旨 instead.

Examples

le1呢pin1篇man4文zoeng1章ge3嘅zung1中sam1心si1思soeng2想hai6係me1咩aa4呀？

What is the main idea of this article?

keoi5佢gong2講zo2咗hou2好noi6耐dou1都gong2講m4唔ceot1出zung1中sam1心si1思soeng2想。

He talked for a long time but couldn't state the main idea.

Common phrases

koi3概kut3括zung1中sam1心si1思soeng2想

summarize the main idea

ming4明kok3確ge3嘅zung1中sam1心si1思soeng2想

a clear main idea

Common mistake

Learners often use this term too broadly for any main point of a conversation, but it is specifically reserved for the core message or underlying theme of a structured text or speech.