主

• Pinyin: zhǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = 丶 + 王 (master, lamp over a stand)

Meaning

Master; owner; host; main person in charge. The person who has authority or ownership over something.

A versatile noun indicating the person with primary authority, ownership, or responsibility. Used in compounds like 主人 (host), 房主 (landlord), 业主 (property owner). Can also refer to the Lord in religious contexts.

Examples

1. 这家店的主是一位老太太。 The owner of this shop is an elderly woman.
2. 房主决定出售这套公寓。 The landlord decided to sell this apartment.
3. 婚礼上谁是证婚人由主方决定。 Who serves as the officiant at the wedding is decided by the host’s side.

Usage Guide

Context: ownership, authority, religious

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 狗对主非常忠诚。(Dogs are very loyal to their masters.)
• 业主们召开会议讨论物业费问题。(Property owners held a meeting to discuss property fees.)

Don't Say

• 你是我的主 — too archaic/religious in casual contexts; use 老板 or 主人

Origin & History

Pictographic: originally depicted a lamp flame, symbolizing the master of the house who controls the light

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal