主 means “main, master”

しゅ · shu

Also: lord, chief, main thing

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)

ぬし, おも, あるじ

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

シュ, ス, シュウ

JLPT N4 · Taught in grade 3 · 5 strokes

The story

A lamp stand with its flame burning at the top: the light of the household, and so its master. The flame still glows in the words: ご主人 the head of the house, 主役 the leading role.

Used in 主人 (shujin, husband/master), 主に (omoni, mainly), and 持ち主 (mochinushi, owner)

More from Work & Industry

• 不 not
• 作 make
• 用 utilize
• 産 produce
• 計 measure
• 特 special
• 工 craft
• 働 work
• 仕 serve
• 事 matter
• 者 person
• 合 fit

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Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.