世帯主

• Reading: せたいぬし
• Romaji: setainushi
• Kanji breakdown: 世 (se/sei) — generation, world; 帯 (tai/obi) — belt, carry; 主 (shu/nushi) — master, owner
• Pronunciation: /se.ta.i.nɯ.ɕi/

Meaning

Head of the household; householder. The person officially registered as the representative of a household unit.

A noun used in legal and administrative contexts, particularly in Japan's resident registration system (住民票). The 世帯主 is the person recorded as the household representative for tax, insurance, and municipal purposes. This role does not necessarily correspond to the primary earner — it is simply the registered representative. Common in paperwork for moving, taxes, and public services.

Examples

1. 住民票には世帯主の名前が記載される。 The head of the household's name is recorded on the resident registration.
2. 世帯主が変わったので届け出が必要になった。 Since the head of the household changed, a notification was required.
3. 税金の控除は世帯主に適用される場合が多い。 Tax deductions are often applied to the head of the household.

Usage Guide

Context: administration, legal, tax

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 世帯 (setai, household) + 主 (nushi, master/owner). Literally 'household master' — the officially registered head of a family unit.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal