What is the meaning and reading of the kanji "主"?

The kanji "主" belongs to JLPT N4 and means "Master, Chief, Main". Its Onyomi is "シュ (shu), ス (su)" and Kunyomi is "ぬし (nushi), おも (omo)".

JLPT N4

主

Master, Chief, Main

Q: Is there a memory mnemonic for "主"?

Yes! Radical breakdown: "丶 (dot/flame) + 王 (king/jewel, here depicting a candlestick base)". Mnemonic Story: "Picture a grand **candlestick** (the bottom shape, like a table with legs) with a single, brightly burning **dot** (丶) of a flame at its very top. This is the main lamp in the house, the central light, belonging to the *Master* who oversees everything. It's the *chief* source of illumination, the *main* focus of the room."

Onyomi

シュ (shu), ス (su)

Kunyomi

ぬし (nushi), おも (omo)

🧠 Memory Mnemonic

🔍 Radical Breakdown

丶 (dot/flame) + 王 (king/jewel, here depicting a candlestick base)

📖 Mnemonic Story

Picture a grand **candlestick** (the bottom shape, like a table with legs) with a single, brightly burning **dot** (丶) of a flame at its very top. This is the main lamp in the house, the central light, belonging to the *Master* who oversees everything. It's the *chief* source of illumination, the *main* focus of the room.

💡 Quick Hint: Candlestick flame

Essential N4 Vocabulary

主人

しゅじん

Husband, master

主な

おもな

Main, principal

主要

しゅよう

Chief, main, principal

Kanji Practice Quiz

Verify your memory for "主"

彼の＿＿＿＿＿はとても優しい。

🎉 正解 / Correct!

解説: 「主人」は「しゅじん」と読み、夫や家の主を指します。
English: 主人 (shujin) means 'husband' or 'master'.

🦅

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