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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.
Strokes7Frequency#1762DifficultyHard
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
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About 主人
主人Simplified
7Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1762Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 主人
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.
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.
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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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.
When to use 主人
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.
主人 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 主人
主
人
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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 3 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.
