noun HSK 3
host · master · owner
Meaning
主人 refers to the person who owns something or who receives guests. It can mean the host of a gathering, the owner of property or a pet, or historically a master of servants. The word combines 主 (main, master) and 人 (person).
Usage
Commonly used for pet owners (狗的主人), homeowners, or party hosts. In modern Chinese, it's neutral and polite. Historically it could refer to a master in a master-servant relationship, but this usage is now mostly literary or historical.
Examples
- 01这只猫的主人对它很好。.This cat's owner treats it very well.
- 02主人热情地欢迎我们进屋。.The host warmly welcomed us into the house.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位主人
- 个一个主人
Common collocations
- 狗主人dog owner
- 房子的主人owner of the house
- 宠物主人pet owner
- 新主人new owner
Antonyms
Origin
Literally 'main person' or 'primary person,' combining the concept of authority or ownership (主) with person (人).