noun
breadwinner; financial provider
Refers to the person who earns the income that supports a household or family. Often used in formal or economic contexts.
彼は家族の生計維持者として、毎日懸命に働いている。
As the family's breadwinner, he works hard every day.
生計維持者が病気になると、家計は厳しくなる。
When the breadwinner falls ill, the household finances become tight.
Compound of 生計 (livelihood) + 維持 (maintenance) + 者 (person). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word is a straightforward modern compound.