breadwinner; financial provider
Refers to the person who earns the income that supports a household or family. Often used in formal or economic contexts.
As the family's breadwinner, he works hard every day.
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.