1.
shop owner, proprietor, shopkeeper
The owner or manager of a shop, restaurant, or small business. Implies hands-on involvement in running the establishment.
店主が自ら料理を作る。
The proprietor cooks the food himself.
店主は気さくな人で、常連客と仲がいい。
The shop owner is a friendly person and gets along well with regulars.
三代目の店主がこだわりの食材を使って、昔ながらの味を守っている。
The third-generation proprietor uses carefully selected ingredients to preserve the traditional flavor.
USAGE:
Used for owners of small, individually operated businesses — ramen shops, cafes, bookstores, etc. Larger businesses typically use 社長 (president) or 経営者 (manager/operator). 店主 conveys a personal, hands-on quality.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 店主おすすめ: the owner's recommendation
- 店主のこだわり: the owner's particular commitment
- 店主が変わる: the owner changes
- 先代の店主: the previous owner