zyu2 tai2主體主体
Jyutpingzyu2 tai2
Yalejyú tái
Definition
The main body or principal part of something; the most important section.
neutraldescriptionsother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the core or essential component of an object, project, or argument. It is a formal term often found in academic, legal, or architectural contexts rather than casual conversation. When discussing everyday objects, speakers usually prefer more specific terms like 本身 or 主幹.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
What is the main body of this plan?
They want to preserve the main body of the building.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 主角, which refers to a main character or protagonist. Using 主體 to describe a person is grammatically awkward and sounds unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
