持(も)ち主(ぬし)

持(も)ち主(ぬし) combines 持(も)ち (holding, from 持(も)つ) + 主(ぬし) (master, owner). It refers to the owner of objects or the possessor of qualities and abilities.

Common patterns

• 〜の持(も)ち主(ぬし): the owner of ~
• 落(お)とし物(もの)の持(も)ち主(ぬし): owner of lost property
• 才能(さいのう)の持(も)ち主(ぬし): person of talent
• 美声(びせい)の持(も)ち主(ぬし): person with a beautiful voice
• 不思議(ふしぎ)な力(ちから)の持(も)ち主(ぬし): possessor of mysterious power

Similar words

• 持(も)ち主(ぬし): owner (everyday, also for abstract qualities)
• 所有者(しょゆうしゃ): owner (formal, legal contexts, objects only)
• オーナー: owner (business, loanword)

Usage

Unlike 所有者(しょゆうしゃ), which is limited to physical or legal ownership, 持(も)ち主(ぬし) is frequently used for personal qualities: 優(やさ)しさの持(も)ち主(ぬし) (a kind person).