Main, Master, Lord
ぬし (nushi), おも (omo)
Interesting Fact
The ancient form of 主 is traditionally associated with a lamp or candle flame. 🕯️ The central mark represented the flame, while the shape around it suggested the lamp or its base. A flame naturally stands out as the most important thing in a dark room, making it a surprisingly fitting image for the later idea of 主 = main, chief, or master. The character eventually developed meanings connected with the person or thing that stands at the center and takes the leading role.
Memory Trick
🕯️ One flame stands proudly in the center, making itself the main attraction—that's 主: main!
Readings
Onyomi: シュ (shu)
Kunyomi: ぬし (nushi), おも (omo)
Example Words
Example Sentence
彼は この 会社の 主な 人物です。
かれは この かいしゃの おもな じんぶつです。
kare wa kono kaisha no omona jinbutsu desu
He is a key person in this company.