Japanese word

飼い主

Pronunciation

Romajikainushi

Meaning

  • nounpet owner

Example

この犬の飼い主は誰ですか。ko no inu no ka i nushi wa dare de su ka

Who is this dog's owner?

Illustration for 飼い主 (pet owner)

More examples

飼い主が見つかるまで、この犬を預かります。ka i nushi ga mi tsu ka ru ma de ko no inu o azu ka ri ma su

I will look after this dog until its owner is found.

Core concept

Refers to the person who keeps an animal and takes ongoing responsibility for its care.

Common phrases

  • ペットの飼い主pe tto no ka i nushi

    pet owner

  • 飼い主に返すka i nushi ni kae su

    return to the owner

Similar words

飼育者shiikusha: A person who keeps an animal while providing regular care and support.
所有者shoyūsha: A person who has legal ownership of an animal, with no necessary focus on daily care.

Definition in Japanese

犬や猫などの動物を自分で飼育し、世話をする人。inu ya neko na do no dō butsu o ji bun de shi iku shi se wa o su ru hito

Word origin

飼い主 (kainushi) is formed from 飼う (kau, "to keep or feed an animal") and 主 (nushi, "owner or person in charge"), with 飼い (kai) linking the two parts.

Usage tips

  • The word 飼い主 (kainushi) appears in Japanese pet discussions even when an animal is treated as a family member, so it does not imply a cold business relationship.

Word lists with this word