主題(しゅだい)

しゅだい
noun
theme, subject, topic
1. theme, subject, topic
The main subject or central idea of a work, discussion, or research. More formal and literary than テーマ.
論文(ろんぶん)の主題(しゅだい)を決(き)めた。
I decided on the topic of my thesis.
この映画(えいが)の主題(しゅだい)は家族(かぞく)の絆(きずな)だ。
The theme of this movie is family bonds.
会議(かいぎ)の主題(しゅだい)から外(はず)れないように発言(はつげん)してください。
Please keep your remarks on the subject of the meeting.

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.

general
Added 2026.2.17 22:11 · Revised 2026.4.5 9:56
11500/11545_shudai