Translation and Meaning of: 主人 - aruji

If you have ever watched an anime or read a manga, you have probably heard the word 主人[あるじ] being used in various contexts — from a servant referring to their master to a wife calling her husband in a traditional way. But what exactly does this word mean and how did it originate? In this article, we will explore the etymology, everyday use, and even some curiosities about this term that carries so much weight in Japanese culture. Additionally, you will learn how to memorize it effectively and discover why it is so versatile in the Japanese vocabulary.

If you are studying Japanese, you already know that Suki Nihongo is the largest online dictionary of the language, and here you will also find writing tips and ready-made phrases to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition system. After all, who hasn't been stuck trying to remember when to use 主人 instead of 主人[しゅじん]? That's right, this difference in reading makes all the difference!

Etymology and origin of 主人 [あるじ]

The word 主人[あるじ] is composed of two kanjis: 主 (shu, nushi), meaning "master" or "main," and 人 (hito, jin), meaning "person." Together, they form the concept of someone who is in charge, whether of a house, a business, or even a relationship. Interestingly, the reading あるじ is one of the oldest for this kanji, dating back to the Heian period, when the term was used to refer to feudal lords and figures of authority.

The interesting thing is that, while 主人[しゅじん] is more commonly used in the sense of "husband" nowadays, あるじ maintains a more archaic and formal tone. You may have heard in samurai films or period dramas a servant saying 「ご主人様！」 (go-shujin-sama!) to address their master. This historical nuance helps to understand why the word still carries an air of respect and hierarchy.

Modern use and everyday contexts

Nowadays, 主人[あるじ] is not very common in colloquial Japanese, but it still appears in specific situations. For example, business owners may be referred to this way by older employees, especially in family-run businesses. It can also be heard in literary contexts or fixed expressions, such as 家の主人 (ie no aruji), which means "the head of the household."

A detail that confuses many students is the difference between あるじ and しゅじん. While the former has a more solemn and impersonal tone, the latter is used in everyday life to refer to one's husband. Have you ever thought about the classic scene of a wife saying 「主人はまだ帰っていません」 (shujin wa mada kaette imasen) — "My husband has not returned yet"? Well, that's the reading you will hear in daily conversations.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

If you want to remember 主人[あるじ], a good tip is to associate it with historical characters, such as landowners or samurai clan leaders. Another trick is to remember that the kanji 主 appears in words like 主役 (shuyaku, "main role"), reinforcing the idea of leadership. And if you enjoy games, you may have already seen this term in titles like "The Legend of Zelda," where the concept of "master" is frequently explored.

A little-known fact is that, in feudal Japan, calling someone あるじ was a sign of absolute loyalty. Today, however, indiscriminate use can sound outdated or even sarcastic, depending on the context. Have you ever imagined calling your boss あるじ in the office? Better not to try, unless you want a disapproving look!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ご主人 (Goshujin) - Lord, husband, head of the house
• 旦那 (Danna) - Husband, spouse in a more informal context.
• 主 (Aruji) - Lord, master, owner
• 主様 (Nakama-sama) - Sir (honorific form)
• 主人公 (Shujinkou) - Protagonist, main character in stories and narratives
• 主人夫婦 (Shujinfuufu) - Couple of owners, couple where one of them is the head of the household.
• 主人公役 (Shujinkou-yaku) - The role of the protagonist in a play or movie
• 当主 (Toushu) - Head of the family, owner of the house or business
• 家主 (Yashu) - House owner, landlord
• 頭取り (Atamadori) - Leader, head of a team or group

主人

Romaji: aruji
Kana: あるじ
Type: Noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: master; head (of a household); landlord; husband; employer; host

Meaning in English: master;head (of a household);landlord;one's husband;employer;host

Definition: The owner of the house. patriarch.

Example Sentences - (主人) aruji

See below some example sentences:

主人は私の親友です。

Shujin wa watashi no shinyuu desu

My husband is my best friend.

My husband is my best friend.

• 主人 - means "husband" or "spouse" in Japanese.
• は - partítulo gramatical que indica o tópico da frase, neste caso, "o marido".
• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - possessive pronoun that indicates ownership, in this case, "my".
• 親友 - It means "close friend" or "best friend" in Japanese.
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and the statement is true.

主人公は勇敢でした。

Shujinkou wa yuukan deshita

The protagonist was brave.

• 主人公 - main character
• は - Topic particle
• 勇敢 - brave
• でした - past participle of the verb "ser"

主人公は勇敢である。

Shujinkou wa yuukan de aru

The protagonist is brave.

• 主人公 - main character
• は - Topic particle
• 勇敢 - brave
• である - to be