Chinese word

主流

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhǔ liú

Meaning

  • nounmainstream

Example

现在的主流是线上购物。xiàn zài de zhǔ liú shì xiàn shàng gòu wù

The mainstream today is online shopping.

Illustration for 主流 (mainstream)

More examples

在学术界，某些理论已被视为主流。zài xué shù jiè mǒu xiē lǐ lùn yǐ bèi shì wéi zhǔ liú

In academia, some theories are now considered mainstream.

Core concept

A prevailing stream of thought or practice that guides the larger group rather than a small side current.

Common phrases

  • 成为主流chéng wéi zhǔ liú

    become mainstream

  • 主流媒体zhǔ liú méi tǐ

    mainstream media

  • 主流价值观zhǔ liú jià zhí guān

    mainstream values

  • 主流趋势zhǔ liú qū shì

    mainstream trend

Similar words

潮流cháo liú: A widespread movement that shapes public life and shows the spirit of its time.
趋势qū shì: A developing direction that shows how something is likely to change.
流行liú xíng: A popular thing or style that many people accept for a short period.

Definition in Chinese

在某一社会、群体或领域中被大多数人接受并处于主导地位的观点、做法或趋势。zài mǒu yí shè huì qún tǐ huò lǐng yù zhōng bèi dà duō shù rén jiē shòu bìng chǔ yú zhú dǎo dì wèi de guān diǎn zuò fǎ huò qū shì

Word origin

The word 主流 (zhǔliú, "main current") names the main flow of a river and then applies that image to the ideas, practices, and trends that lead a society or field.

Usage tips

  • The word signals broad acceptance and influence, not merely brief popularity, which makes it useful when describing lasting social patterns.

Other meanings

  • majoritynoun

Opposites

  • 少数派shǎo shù pàiminoritynoun
  • 小众xiǎo zhòngnichenoun

Related words

  • 主流社会zhǔ liú shè huìmainstream societynoun
  • 主流化zhǔ liú huàmainstreamverb

Word lists with this word