What is the difference between "趣旨" and "主旨"?

"趣旨" means "purpose, aim, gist, meaning" (N2), whereas "主旨" represents "main point; gist; purport; aim; objective" (N2).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "しゅし (shushi)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

しゅし (shushi)

N2 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

しゅし (shushi)

N2 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "しゅし (shushi)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

趣旨 (Level: N2): Translates to "purpose, aim, gist, meaning" and is used when Refers to the main point, intention, or objective of a speech, event, project, or document..
主旨 (Level: N2): Maps to "main point; gist; purport; aim; objective" and carries the nuance of Refers to the central theme, main idea, or purpose of a speech, document, or event. Similar to 趣旨.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "趣旨"

会議の趣旨を説明します。

I will explain the purpose of the meeting.

Bilingual Context for "主旨"

彼の話の主旨が理解できなかった。

I couldn't understand the main point of his talk.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "会議の＿＿＿を説明します。" (Meaning: "I will explain the purpose of the meeting.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "趣旨" is used for "purpose, aim, gist, meaning" in the context: "I will explain the purpose of the meeting.".