亭主
Meanings
1
head of a household; master; host; innkeeper; proprietor
Refers to the male head of a household, or the master/host of an establishment or event. Often used in traditional contexts like tea ceremonies or inns.
The innkeeper came to the entrance to greet us.
At a tea gathering, the host prepares the tea.
2
A somewhat old-fashioned or humorous way to refer to one's own husband, often implying he is the master of the house. Commonly used in the phrase 亭主関白.
My husband is good at cooking.
He is a typical domineering husband.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が亭主を務めるfor someone to serve as host/master (e.g. at a tea ceremony)
He served as the host at the tea ceremony.
- 亭主を立てるto defer to and respect one's husband
She defers to her husband and doesn't voice her opinions in front of others.
- 亭主に頭が上がらないto be unable to stand up to one's husband
It seems she can't ever stand up to her husband.
Expressions
- 亭主の好きな赤烏帽子the master's whims must be obeyed
- 知らぬは亭主ばかりなりthe husband is always the last to know