The kanji 主 primarily conveys the idea of "master," "lord," "principal," "main," or "owner." It suggests someone or something in a position of authority, control, or importance. It also implies the core or essence of something.

・On-yomi (音読み): シュ (shu) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ぬし (nushi), おも (omo)

⚫︎ 主人 (shujin) Translation: Master; husband (in the context of one's own husband) ⚫︎ 主な (omona) Translation: Main; principal; major ⚫︎ 民主主義 (minshushugi) Translation: Democracy (Literally: "People's [主] thought/ism")

The kanji 主 is a pictograph. It depicts a burning torch or candle, representing light and authority. The top stroke represents the flame, and the bottom stroke represents the holder. Over time, the form simplified. The idea of light, and by extension, illumination and leadership, led to the meanings of "master" and "principal."