主
JLPT N4
Main, lord
Readings
On’yomi: シュ, ス (shu, su)
Kun’yomi: ぬし, おも (nushi, omo)
• ぬし (nushi) – owner, master
• おも (omo) – main, principal
Structure
Composition:
Purchase the course for full access of this content.
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
主人
しゅじん
master
主人公
しゅじんこう
main character
主な
おもな
main
主義
しゅぎ
principle
主要
しゅよう
principal
Example Sentences
彼は主人です。
かれ は しゅじん です。
He is the master.
主人公は学生です。
しゅじんこう は がくせい です。
The main character is a student.
Cultural Note
🏯 In Japanese culture, 主 (nushi) has deep social and spiritual significance:
• In old Japan, 家の主 (ie no nushi) referred to the head of a household, who had both authority and responsibility for the family’s wellbeing.
• Spiritually, 山の主 (yama no nushi) or 川の主 (kawa no nushi) means “the spirit or god that rules the mountain or river.” These beliefs come from Shinto, showing deep respect for nature and unseen powers.
• The use of 主 in words like 主張 (assertion) or 主人公 (main character) emphasizes the idea of centrality and importance — the “main” person or element.
• In old Japan, 家の主 (ie no nushi) referred to the head of a household, who had both authority and responsibility for the family’s wellbeing.
• Spiritually, 山の主 (yama no nushi) or 川の主 (kawa no nushi) means “the spirit or god that rules the mountain or river.” These beliefs come from Shinto, showing deep respect for nature and unseen powers.
• The use of 主 in words like 主張 (assertion) or 主人公 (main character) emphasizes the idea of centrality and importance — the “main” person or element.