Meaning

Primary

Head Of Household

Alternatives

Husband, Head Of A Household, Head Of The Household, Landlord, Master

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

The master person isn't just a master. You have to think back to when they were making these kanji. Who was the master? It was the head of household. This head of household probably told servants what to do and was all bossy and stuff. He was the master person.

Also, this often means husband. Because, I guess the head of household back in the day was the husband. Those sexist ancient people!

Reading

しゅじん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

In Japan, tradition says the head of a household must slide down a chute in only jeans (しゅじん). Whenever you need to speak to the head of the household, they'll come sliding down a chute wearing nothing but jeans. What a sight!

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 主人にいう

    to tell my husband, to tell the master

    主人にきく

    to ask my husband, to ask the master

    主人にもらう

    I receive something from my husband

Context Sentences

この人は、わたしの主人です。

This person is my husband.

今日ご主人はリモートワークですか?

Is your husband working remotely today?

ご主人さま、十メートルのブランケットはさすがに大きすぎますよ。

Master, the ten-meter blanket is too big.

Kanji Composition