当 主(とうしゅ)

とうしゅ

noun

head of a household, family head

1. head of a household, family head, master of the house

The current leader or head of a family, clan, or household. Often used in the context of traditional families, noble houses, or business dynasties, where succession from one generation to the next is important.

彼(かれ)は一家(いっか)の当主(とうしゅ)だ。

He is the head of the family.

先代(せんだい)の当主(とうしゅ)が亡(な)くなり、息子(むすこ)が跡(あと)を継(つ)いだ。

The previous family head passed away, and his son succeeded him.

この家(いえ)は代々(だいだい)の当主(とうしゅ)が守(まも)り続(つづ)けてきた伝統(でんとう)がある。

This house has traditions that successive family heads have continued to protect.

当主(とうしゅ) refers to the current head of a family or household. It carries a formal, traditional tone and is especially common in historical fiction, discussions of noble families, and family business contexts.

Common collocations

先代(せんだい)の当主(とうしゅ): previous family head
現(げん)当主(とうしゅ): current family head
次期(じき)当主(とうしゅ): next family head
当主(とうしゅ)を継(つ)ぐ: to succeed as family head

Similar words

家長(かちょう): head of household (broader, more general)
主人(しゅじん): master, head of household (everyday usage)
世帯主(せたいぬし): head of household (administrative term)

Related Words

Homophone: 投手(とうしゅ) (pitcher (baseball))

Compare: 主人(しゅじん) (master, head of household)

Compare: 世帯主(せたいぬし) (head of household)

general

Added 2026.2.22 19:06 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

12500/12765_toushu