家主

やぬし

landlord

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"家主" (やぬし) refers to the landlord or the owner of a house or property. It is commonly used in contexts involving rental agreements, property management, and housing.

Common Contexts

This word is often used when discussing rent payments, property inspections, and contracts related to housing. It carries a neutral to formal tone and is appropriate in both spoken and written Japanese.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 家主に家賃を払う: to pay rent to the landlord
  • 家主が訪ねる: the landlord visits
  • 家主との契約: contract with the landlord

These phrases are frequently used in everyday conversations about renting or managing property.

Usage Tips

When using "家主," be aware it specifically refers to the property owner, not just any landlord or manager. Avoid confusing it with "大家" (おおや), which is a more casual term for landlord. "家主" is slightly more formal and often appears in legal or official contexts.

Example Sentences

やぬしにやちんをまいつききちんとしはらっています。

I pay the rent to the landlord properly every month.

やぬしがとつぜんたずねてきて、へやのてんけんをしました。

The landlord suddenly came to visit and inspected the room.

やぬしとのけいやくしょには、たいきょじのルールがめいきされています。

The contract with the landlord clearly states the rules for moving out.