Japanese word

主

Pronunciation

Romajinushi

Meaning

  • nounowner

Example

店の主は親切です。mise no nushi wa shin setsu de su

The owner of the shop is kind.

Illustration for 主 (owner)

More examples

新しい店の主は、毎朝早く店を開けます。atara shi i mise no nushi wa mai asa haya ku mise o a ke ma su

The new shop owner opens the store early every morning.

Core concept

Refers to the person who holds ownership of and authority over a particular place or property.

Common phrases

  • 店の主mise no nushi

    shop owner

  • 一家の主ik ka no nushi

    head of the household

Similar words

持ち主mochinushi: A person who owns a thing, place, or property in everyday terms.
所有者shoyūsha: A person who legally owns a place or property.
店主tenshu: A person who owns and manages a shop.
オーナーōnā: A person who owns a business or property, often in a commercial context.

Definition in Japanese

店や家などを自分のものとして持つ人。mise ya ie na do o ji bun no mo no to shi te mo tsu hito

Word origin

主 (nushi, "master; owner") is a native Japanese noun written with the character 主, which denotes a master or chief and therefore came to express an owner.

Usage tips

  • Although owner is the usual translation, standalone 主 (nushi) can sound formal, while 店主 (tenshu, "shop owner") is a familiar compound.

Word lists with this word