Translation and Meaning of: 家主 - ienushi

If you've ever rented a property in Japan or watched a dorama about everyday life, you've probably heard the word 家主 (いえぬし). But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we’ll unveil everything from the etymology to the practical use of this term, which is essential for anyone dealing with rental contracts or simply looking to expand their Japanese vocabulary. Besides the basic meaning of "landlord," we’ll explore the pictogram, its historical origin, and even tips to memorize this kanji effortlessly. And of course, if you use Anki or another spaced repetition system, you'll leave here with ready-made examples to add to your flashcards.

Etymology and Composition of Kanjis

The word 家主 (いえぬし) is formed by two kanji: 家 (いえ), which means "house," and 主 (ぬし), which can be translated as "owner" or "master." Together, they literally describe "the owner of the house." Interestingly, the second kanji, 主, also appears in words like 店主 (てんぬし) (store owner) and 船主 (ふなぬし) (shipowner), always indicating someone who has possession or control over something.

In ancient writing, the kanji 主 was represented by a pictogram of a candle flame, symbolizing something central or important — after all, the landlord is precisely the central figure in a rental contract. This visual connection helps to understand why this character carries the idea of "control" or "ownership." It is worth noting that while 家主 is the most common form, in some legal or regional contexts, you might encounter variations such as 大家 (おおや), which has a slightly more formal tone.

Everyday Lies and Special Contexts

In Japan, 家主 does not just refer to the owner of a rented apartment. The term can also appear in broader contexts, such as in period stories (jidaigeki), where a family or clan leader is referred to as such. In modern cities, however, the more frequent use is indeed related to the real estate market. If you need to complain about a leak or ask for permission to install an air conditioner, it will be the 家主 who will give the approval — or deny it.

An interesting cultural detail: unlike Brazil, where the tenant often deals directly with the owner, in Japan it is common for a manager (管理会社) to mediate. Nevertheless, in contracts and official documents, the 家主 still holds the ultimate authority. And be careful: in Google searches, many people confuse this word with 地主 (じぬし), which refers to the landowner, not the owner of built properties.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

To remember how to write 家主, an effective technique is to associate the first kanji (家) with the roof of a house (the top stroke represents the roof) and the second one (主) with the idea of a "master" holding a candlestick — does it remind you of the origin of the pictogram? If you have already studied words like 主人 (しゅじん) (husband, master of the house), you will notice that the radical repeats in similar contexts.

In terms of pronunciation, いえぬし is more commonly used in everyday life, but in formal or legal texts, the kun'yomi reading can be replaced by the on'yomi かしゅ — although this is rare. And if you're a fan of games or manga, you may have already seen this term in feudal scenarios, where "lordship" often plays a decisive role in the storyline. How about trying to identify it the next time it appears?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 大家 (Ooya) - Property owners usually offer rentals.
• ランドロード (Rando rōdo) - Owner, usually used in contexts related to house rentals.
• 賃貸人 (Chintai-nin) - Person who rents a property, landlord.
• 家主人 (Ieshujin) - Head of the house, homeowner.
• ホスト (Hosuto) - Host, a person who welcomes someone.
• ホストファミリー (Hosuto famirī) - Host family, usually in cultural exchanges or hosting programs.

家主

Romaji: ienushi
Kana: いえぬし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: lordship

Meaning in English: landlord

Definition: The person who rents the property or that person.

Example Sentences - (家主) ienushi

See below some example sentences:

私の家主はとても親切です。

Watashi no kashu wa totemo shinsetsu desu

My owner is very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "mine"
• 家主 - noun that means "homeowner"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the homeowner"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 親切 - adjective meaning "kind"
• です - verb that indicates "to be", in this case, "is"