Definition
唱主角 is a separable verb-object phrase (离合词) meaning 'to play the leading role'. It originally refers to taking the lead role in an opera (唱 'to sing'), but it is now used figuratively for anyone who holds a central position in a project, event, or discussion. You can split it by inserting aspect markers, measure words, or modifiers between 唱 and 主角 — e.g., 唱了三次主角 (played the lead role three times).
v.o.
to play the leading role (in a play, opera, etc.)(figuratively) to be the key player or central figure (in a project, event, etc.)
Examples
- ，唱主角。Zài zhè bù xīn jīngjù lǐ, tā chàng zhǔ jiǎ.In this new Peking opera, he plays the leading role.
- 唱主角，。Zhège xiàngmù yóu tā chàng zhǔ jiǎ, qítā rén pèihé.She takes the leading role in this project, and others assist.
- ，。Zài zhè bù xì lǐ, tā chàng le sān cì zhǔ jiǎ.In this play, he played the lead role three times.
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