Translation guide
The English word 'proprietor' refers to the owner of a business, especially a small one like a shop, inn, or restaurant. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the type of business and the level of formality. The most common and versatile term is 店主 (tenshu), meaning 'shop owner' or 'storekeeper.' For inns or hotels, 主人 (shujin) or 宿の主人 (yado no shujin) is used. In formal or legal contexts, 経営者 (keieisha) means 'business owner' or 'manager.' When referring to oneself humbly, especially in a small shop, 当主 (toushu) or 私 (watashi) may be used. Note that directly translating 'proprietor' as 所有者 (shoyuusha) is possible but sounds legalistic and is rarely used in everyday conversation.
The owner of a small retail shop, restaurant, or similar business.
The most common and neutral term for a shop owner or storekeeper. Suitable for most contexts.
That proprietor is very kind.
Please ask the proprietor directly.
Often used for the owner of a small restaurant, inn, or traditional shop. Can also mean 'husband' or 'master,' so context is important.
Can be ambiguous; in some contexts it means 'husband' or 'master.' Use 店主 for clarity.
The proprietor of this restaurant is a good cook.
A more formal term meaning 'business owner' or 'manager.' Used for larger businesses or in official contexts.
He is the proprietor of a small café.
Loanword from English, commonly used for owners of cafes, bars, boutiques, etc. Casual and modern.
The proprietor of that bar is a young woman.
The owner or manager of a traditional inn (ryokan) or small hotel.
Specifically refers to the owner of an inn or hotel. 主人 alone can be used if context is clear.
The proprietor of the inn welcomed us warmly.
Specifically refers to the female proprietor or landlady of a traditional inn or restaurant. Very common for ryokan.
Can be used for the male owner of an inn, but context must make it clear.
Referring to oneself as the proprietor in a humble or formal way, often in business introductions.
In Japanese, it's common to avoid directly calling oneself 'proprietor' and instead use a humble pronoun or the business name. 当方 is very formal.
I am the proprietor of this shop. (humble)
A formal, somewhat old-fashioned term for the head of a family or owner of a business. Used in formal self-introductions.
The legal owner of a business or property, often used in contracts or official documents.
店主 (tenshu) is the safest, most neutral term for a shop owner. 主人 (shujin) is common for small, traditional businesses but can mean 'husband' or 'master.' 経営者 (keieisha) is more formal and implies management of a business, not necessarily ownership. For a small shop, 店主 is best; for a ryokan, 主人 or 女将 (okami) is natural; in business contexts, 経営者 is appropriate.
The English word 'proprietor' can sound formal or old-fashioned. In Japanese, directly translating it as 所有者 (shoyuusha) in casual conversation sounds unnatural. Use 店主 or オーナー for everyday situations.
女将が自ら料理を運んできた。
The proprietress herself brought the food.
主人が旅館の歴史を話してくれた。
The proprietor told us about the history of the ryokan.
当主の田中と申します。
I am Tanaka, the proprietor.
事業主として確定申告が必要です。
As a proprietor, you need to file a tax return.