Meaning and Usage
"主人" (しゅじん) primarily means "husband" when referring to one's own spouse in everyday conversation. It is a polite and common way to talk about your husband, especially in formal or neutral contexts.
Besides this, "主人" can also mean "owner" or "master" of a place or thing, such as the owner of a house or a shop. This usage is common in contexts like "この家の主人" (the owner of this house).
Common Collocations
- 主人 (しゅじん): one's own husband
- 家の主人 (いえのしゅじん): owner of the house
- 主人に頼む (しゅじんにたのむ): to ask one's husband
Nuances and Tips
When using "主人" to mean husband, it is usually used by women referring to their own spouse. Men typically use "妻" (つま) for wife, but "主人" is rarely used by men to refer to their own husbands.
Be careful not to confuse "主人" with "主人公" (しゅじんこう), which means "main character" in a story.
When referring to ownership, "主人" implies the person who has authority or control over the property or place.