noun
head of household; proprietor; landlord
Refers to the master or owner of a house, shop, or establishment. When addressing someone directly, ご主人 is more polite.
See also: ご主人
この店の主人はとても親切だ。
The owner of this shop is very kind.
I paid the rent to the landlord of the apartment.
noun
Used by a wife to refer to her own husband when speaking to others. Can sound somewhat traditional or formal; in casual conversation, 夫 (おっと) or 旦那 (だんな) are also common.
主人は今、出張中です。
My husband is away on a business trip now.
noun
one's employer; one's master
Used by an employee or servant to refer to their employer or master. Has a somewhat old-fashioned or hierarchical feel; in modern workplaces, 上司 (じょうし) or 社長 (しゃちょう) are more common.
昔の奉公人は主人に忠実だった。
Servants in the old days were loyal to their master.
noun
Refers to the person who receives or entertains guests, especially at a formal gathering or event. Often used in set phrases like 主人役 (しゅじんやく).
パーティーの主人として、彼は客を温かく迎えた。
As the host of the party, he warmly welcomed the guests.