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.
敵の主力部隊が前線に集結した。
The enemy's main force has assembled at the front line.
He has become the team's key player since this season.
彼はチームの主力選手として活躍している。
He is playing an active role as a key player on the team.
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).
会社は新製品の開発に主力を注いでいる。
The company is putting its main effort into developing new products.
会社は新製品の開発に主力を注いでいる。
The company is pouring its main efforts into developing new products.
This factory's main business is exports.
The team, missing its key players, struggled.
中心 means 'center' or 'core' in a spatial or abstract sense, while 主力 emphasizes the strongest or most important functional element.
本隊 is specifically the main body of a military unit or expedition, whereas 主力 can refer to the main strength in any context.
主力 refers to the top, leading performers who drive results, while 中堅 highlights the steady, experienced core that supports the group without necessarily being the stars.
主力 refers to the main, strongest force or resource, while 補助 refers to a supporting or secondary role that backs it up.
主力 refers to the strongest force or main effort behind something, while 主流 refers to the mainstream trend or dominant current of thought.
leading shares; blue-chip stocks
capital ship
leading product; flagship product; top product
main battle tank; MBT
main fleet
main force; main troops
Compound of 主 (しゅ, 'main') and 力 (りょく, 'power, strength'). The reading is on'yomi.