1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 主 is "master," "lord," "main," "principal," or "to preside over." It represents a central figure, the most important element, or the act of being in charge.
Common Readings and Words:
しゅ (shu): The Sino-Japanese reading used in compound words.
主人 (shujin): Master, head of household, husband (in formal contexts). (主-master + 人-person)
主要 (shuyō): Chief, main, principal. (主-main + 要-important)
主題 (shudai): Theme, subject. (主-main + 題-topic)
主語 (shugo): Subject (in grammar). (主-main + 語-word)
ぬし (nushi): The native Japanese reading meaning "master," "owner."
家主 (yanushi): Landlord. (家-house + 主-owner)
おも (omo): Used as a prefix in native words.
主な (omo na): Main, principal.
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 主 correctly is simple but foundational. The stroke order ensures the character is balanced and stable.
Total Strokes: 5
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Stroke 1: The dot on the top (点).
Stroke 2: The short horizontal stroke below the dot (横).
Stroke 3: The long horizontal stroke (横). Note: This is the main, supporting stroke and is the longest.
Stroke 4: The vertical stroke through the center (竖).
Stroke 5: The final horizontal stroke at the bottom (横).
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Top to Bottom: The character is written from top to bottom.
Horizontal before Vertical: The top horizontals are written before the central vertical.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 主 is a beautiful example of an ideographic character (指事文字 shiji moji) that evolved from a simple pictograph.
The Origin:
The kanji 主 is a pictograph of a flame or the "main flame" of an oil lamp.
In its ancient form, you can clearly see the depiction of a flame (the dot and the area below it) burning atop a lamp or a stand (the lower part of the character, which resembles 王 but is derived from a lamp stand).
The Evolution of Meaning:
The meaning evolved from this vivid image in a very logical way:
The Flame: The original meaning was the "flame" of a lamp.
The Central Flame: In a dark room, the lamp's flame is the central point of light, the "main" source of illumination that everything else revolves around.
The Master/Lord: By metaphorical extension, the person who is the central point of a household or group—the one who provides "light" and guidance—became the "master" or "lord."
Thus, the character 主 moved from describing the most important light source to describing the most important person or thing. The core idea of "centrality" and "primary importance" connects all its meanings.
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 主.
As "Main" (おも):
Romaji: Omo na riyū wa futatsu arimasu.
English: There are two main reasons.
主な理由は二つあります。
As "Master/Owner" (しゅ):
Romaji: Kono ie no shujin wa shinsetsu da.
English: The master of this house is kind.
この家の主人は親切だ。
As "Theme" (しゅ):
Romaji: Kono shōsetsu no shudai wa ai desu.
English: The theme of this novel is love.
この小説の主題は愛です。
As "Subject" (Grammar) (しゅ):
Romaji: Kono bun no shugo wa "kare" desu.
English: The subject of this sentence is "he."
この文の主語は「彼」です。
Summary
Meaning: Master, lord, main, principal, owner.
Writing: 5 strokes. Write from top to bottom: the dot, the short horizontal, the long horizontal, the vertical, and the final horizontal.
Origin: A pictograph of the "flame of an oil lamp." This central, guiding light in the darkness became a powerful metaphor for the "main" thing or the "master" of a house. The character perfectly illustrates how a simple, concrete image can evolve to represent profound abstract concepts of centrality and importance.