German word

hauptsächlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌzɛːçlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbmainly

Example

Ich esse hauptsächlich Gemüse.

I eat mainly vegetables.

Illustration for hauptsächlich (mainly)

More examples

Es hängt hauptsächlich von der Zeit ab.

It depends mainly on time.

Core concept

A large central portion stands out from several smaller portions and represents what matters most overall.

Common phrases

  • hauptsächlich von

    depending mainly on ___

  • hauptsächlich im Internet

    chiefly on the internet

Similar words

vor allem: With special emphasis on what matters most.
vorwiegend: For the predominant part or share.
meist: In most cases or situations.
zum größten Teil: For the greater part of something.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet, dass etwas den Kern einer Aussage oder den größten Teil einer Sache betrifft.

Word origin

The word comes from Hauptsache, a compound of Haupt, meaning main or chief, and Sache, meaning matter or thing, plus -lich.

Usage tips

  • Hauptsächlich commonly introduces the dominant reason or cause, as in hauptsächlich wegen des Wetters, with wegen usually taking the genitive in formal German.

Word lists with this word