Translation guide
The English word "master" has many meanings. This guide focuses on the most common uses for learners: a person in control, an expert, and the verb meaning to become skilled at something. Other meanings like a title or a copy are less common and not covered here.
Referring to someone who has authority, control, or ownership over others or something.
Common word for master of a household, shop, or pet owner. Can also mean husband.
犬の主人は毎日散歩に連れて行きます。
The dog's master takes him for a walk every day.
Ruler or dominator, often in a political or power context. More formal.
彼は国の支配者として君臨した。
He reigned as the master of the country.
Master in traditional arts, crafts, or martial arts; a teacher or mentor.
彼は茶道の師匠です。
He is a master of the tea ceremony.
Describing someone who is extremely proficient in a skill or field.
A person who has mastered a skill; expert, master.
彼は料理の達人だ。
He is a master of cooking.
Renowned expert or master, often in traditional arts or games like shogi.
Loanword used in some contexts like 'master of ceremonies' or 'master key', but not for a person who is an expert.
Not used to mean an expert person; use 達人 or 名人 instead.
The verb meaning to learn or become proficient in a skill, subject, or language.
To learn, acquire (a skill). Commonly used for languages, techniques.
日本語を習得するのは難しい。
Mastering Japanese is difficult.
Loanword verb, casual and common in spoken Japanese.
彼はすぐに新しいゲームをマスターした。
He quickly mastered the new game.
To master, to go deeply into a field; implies thoroughness and dedication.
In English, 'master' can be a title for a young boy or a teacher. In Japanese, these are not translated as 主人 or 達人. For a boy, use 坊ちゃん (ぼっちゃん) or just the name. For a teacher, use 先生 (せんせい).
主人 can mean pet owner, but 飼い主 (かいぬし) is more specific and common for animals. 主人 is broader and can mean husband or master of a house.
彼は変装の達人だ。
He is a master of disguise.
彼女は3年でピアノをマスターした。
She mastered the piano in three years.
彼は将棋の名人です。
He is a master of shogi.
He has the master key.
彼は武道を極めた。
He mastered the martial arts.