主力
Meanings
1
main force; core strength
Refers to the primary military unit, the strongest part of a team, or the most important resource in an organization. Often used in business and sports contexts.
The enemy's main force has assembled at the front line.
He is playing an active role as a key player on the team.
2
main effort; primary focus
Used when describing the central activity or emphasis of a plan, project, or policy. Common in phrases like 主力を注ぐ (pour one's main effort into).
The company is putting its main effort into developing new products.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が主力になるfor someone to become the mainstay (of a team, etc.)
He has become the team's key player since this season.
- 主力を注ぐto devote one's main effort to something
The company is pouring its main efforts into developing new products.
- 〈物〉を主力とするto make something one's main focus or core resource
This factory's main business is exports.
- 主力を欠くto be without one's main strength (e.g. key players)
The team, missing its key players, struggled.