マスター

• Reading: マスター
• Romaji: masutaa
• Pronunciation: /ma.sɯ.taː/

Meaning

Bar owner; proprietor of a small establishment. Also means to master or become proficient in something.

A loanword from English 'master' with two main uses. As a noun, it refers to the male owner or operator of a bar, coffee shop, or small restaurant — a uniquely Japanese usage. As a suru verb (マスターする), it means to master a skill: 英語をマスターする (to master English). Female counterparts are often called ママ.

Examples

1. あの喫茶店のマスターはコーヒーに詳しい。 The owner of that coffee shop really knows his stuff about coffee.
2. 三年かけてフランス語をマスターした。 It took me three years to master French.
3. バーのマスターがおすすめのカクテルを作ってくれた。 The bartender made me a recommended cocktail.

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, bars, learning

Tone: friendly

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'master.' The bar/café owner meaning developed uniquely in Japan, where small establishments traditionally had a single proprietor who personally served customers.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal