major city; principal city
Refers to a city of significant size, economic importance, or administrative status within a region or country.
Major cities in Japan include Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
この高速道路は主要都市を結んでいる。
This expressway connects the major cities.
大都市 emphasizes a large city in terms of population or scale, while 主要都市 focuses on its importance or role as a key city.
Compound of 主要 (main, principal) and 都市 (city).