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主人 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
主人zhǔrénmasterHSK 5, n, rank #1762, Medium
主人zhǔrénhostHSK 5, n, rank #1762, Medium
主人zhǔrénownerHSK 5, n, rank #1762, Medium
主人zhǔrén>个[gè]HSK 5, n, rank #1762, Medium
zhǔrén(zhu3ren2) T3
  1. 1master
  2. 2host
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
主人zhǔrén(zhu3ren2)

The term '主人' (zhǔrén) refers to a master, host, or owner of something. It is commonly used in contexts where someone has authority or ownership over a property, event, or group. The nuance of the word conveys respect and acknowledgment of someone's role or status.

Frequency#1762DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

'主人' is often used in the context of Chinese hospitality, where the host plays a significant role in ensuring guests feel welcome and comfortable, reflecting the cultural emphasis on respect and hospitality.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '主' (master) holding a large '人' (person) like a puppet, demonstrating control or ownership. Visualize the master directing the person in a performance, emphasizing their role as the owner of the situation.

Meanings of 主人

zhǔrén(zhu3ren2)
1master
2host
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 主人

主人Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1762Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 主人

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Podcast: 主人

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AI Study Notes for 主人

Quick Contrast

主人 (master) vs 主 (owner) — use 主 when emphasizing the role of ownership without the connotation of authority or respect that 主人 carries.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a '主' (master) holding a large '人' (person) like a puppet, demonstrating control or ownership. Visualize the master directing the person in a performance, emphasizing their role as the owner of the situation.

Usage Notes

It's important to use '主人' in appropriate contexts to avoid sounding overly formal or disrespectful. Common collocations include '主人家' (host family) and '主人翁' (master of the house). Beware of tone errors; the correct tones are crucial for meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 vocabulary word, '主人' connects to themes of relationships and social roles. Students should focus on its usage in various contexts, such as hospitality or ownership, and practice forming sentences around these themes.

Cultural Note

'主人' is often used in the context of Chinese hospitality, where the host plays a significant role in ensuring guests feel welcome and comfortable, reflecting the cultural emphasis on respect and hospitality.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '主人' with '主人公' (protagonist). While both involve a sense of 'master,' the latter specifically refers to a leading character in a story. Ensure you use '主人' when discussing ownership or hosting.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 主人

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Component Characters

主zhǔowner
HSK 75 strokes丶
View full entry
人rénman
HSK 12 strokes人
View full entry

Write 主人

主
人

Practice writing 主人 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 主人

主人 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 5

Complete the Sentence

这辆车必须归还给真正的____。

The car must be returned to its rightful owner.

Example Sentences for 主人 (10)

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1
这辆车必须归还给真正的主人。

zhè liàng chē bì xū guī huán gěi zhēn zhèng de zhǔ rén。

The car must be returned to its rightful owner.
2
凯莱布在主人外出旅行时与皮埃尔的父母住在一起。

kǎi lái bù zài zhǔ rén wài chū lǚ háng shí yǔ pí āi ěr de fù mǔ zhù zài yī qǐ。

When his master's off traveling, Caleb stays with Pierre's parents.
3
那只狗兴奋地狂吠着向女主人跑去。

nà zhī gǒu xīng fèn dì kuáng fèi zháo xiàng nǚ zhǔ rén pǎo qù。

Barking deliriously, the dog bounded towards his mistress.
4
估计新主人会给游艇改名。

gū jì xīn zhǔ rén huì gěi yóu tǐng gǎi míng。

It is expected that the new owner will change the yacht's name.
5
老仆人履行了其主人要他照料孩子的指示.

lǎo pū rén lǚ háng le qí zhǔ rén yào tā zhào liào hái zǐ de zhǐ shì.

The old servant fulfilled his master's charge to care for the children.
6
安东妮亚和她的女主人基本上很融洽.

ān dōng nī yà hé tā de nǚ zhǔ rén jī běn shàng hěn róng qià.

There was a basic harmony between Antonia and her mistress.
7
这些令人毛骨悚然的女主人公使哈特的书读起来让人爱不释手。

zhè xiē líng rén máo gǔ sǒng rán de nǚ zhǔ rén gōng shǐ hā tè de shū dú qǐ lái ràng rén ài bù shì shǒu。

These chilling heroines make Hart's books compulsive reading.
8
堂吉诃德—塞万提斯巨著中与书同名的主人公

táng jí hē dé— — sāi wàn tí sī jù zhù zhōng yǔ shū tóng míng de zhǔ rén

Don Quixote, eponymous hero of the great novel by Cervantes
9
男主人公的性格刻画得非常细腻.

nán zhǔ rén gōng de xìng gé kè huà dé fēi cháng xì nì.

The character of the hero is depicted to a nicety.
10
鲍勃是那小说中的男主人公.

bào bó shì nà xiǎo shuō zhōng de nán zhǔ rén gōng.

Bob is the hero of the novel.

Cultural Notes for 主人

🏮Cultural insight

'主人' is often used in the context of Chinese hospitality, where the host plays a significant role in ensuring guests feel welcome and comfortable, reflecting the cultural emphasis on respect and hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions about 主人

'主人' typically refers to human ownership or authority, so it's not commonly used for inanimate objects.