Definition
首要 (shǒuyào) means 'primary, foremost, of chief importance' – it's stronger and more formal than 主要 (zhǔyào, 'main') and emphasizes the very first priority. 重要 (zhòngyào) is a broader 'important' without implying top rank. Use 首要 in written or formal contexts to mark the single most crucial item.
adjective
primaryforemostof chief importance
Examples
- 首要。Ānquán shì gōngsī de shǒu yào rènwu.Safety is the company's primary task.
- 首要。Tā de shǒu yào mùbiāo shì kǎo shàng dàxué.His primary goal is to get into university.
- 首要？Zhège wèntí de shǒu yào yuányīn shì shénme?What is the primary cause of this problem?
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