旦那
Meanings
Refers to the head of a household, shop, or business. Often used by employees or family members to refer to the male owner or master.
from Sanskrit dāna
The master of this shop is a very friendly person.
The maid was waiting for the master's return.
Familiar term for one's own husband, used mainly by wives in casual conversation. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or traditional.
My husband is good at cooking.
My husband will be late, so let's eat first.
Used to address or refer to a male customer, patron, or person of higher status, especially in service contexts. Can carry a slightly old-fashioned or deferential tone.
Sir, we've got some nice goods in.
Gentlemen waiting, please come this way.
Refers to a man who financially supports a mistress, geisha, or hostess. Often implies a romantic or transactional relationship.
See also: パトロン
She seems to have a wealthy patron.
She found a sugar daddy at a Ginza club.
almsgiver; alms; almsgiving
Only when written 檀那
Original Buddhist meaning derived from Sanskrit 'dāna'. Refers to a layperson who gives alms to monks or temples. Usually written as 檀那 in this context.
The temple was built with donations from almsgivers.
The family temple is the ancestral temple supported by the family's almsgiving.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の旦那が〈動詞〉someone's husband does something
The neighbor's husband came home drunk again.
- 〈人〉を旦那と呼ぶto address someone as 'sir' (a male customer or patron)
The shop clerk addressed the regular customer as 'sir'.
- 旦那のご機嫌をとるto flatter one's patron
Flattering her patron is part of a geisha's job.
- 旦那に尽くすto devote oneself to one's patron/husband
She's an old-fashioned type of woman who devotes herself to her husband.