主題(しゅだい)

主題(しゅだい) refers to the central subject or theme of a work, discussion, or research. It is more formal and literary than テーマ.

Common collocations

• 主題(しゅだい)歌(か): theme song
• 主題(しゅだい)曲(きょく): theme music
• 主題(しゅだい)を決(き)める: to decide on a theme
• 主題(しゅだい)から外(はず)れる: to stray from the topic

Similar words

• テーマ: theme (loanword, used in everyday conversation)
• 題名(だいめい): title (of a book, movie, etc.)
• 話題(わだい): topic of conversation (more casual)
• 議題(ぎだい): agenda item (for meetings)

Usage

In everyday speech, テーマ is far more common. 主題(しゅだい) appears in academic writing, literary criticism, and formal discussions. The compound 主題(しゅだい)歌(か)/主題(しゅだい)曲(きょく) (theme song/music) is the most familiar use for most speakers.