Translation guide
The person in a household who earns the primary income to support the family.
彼が大黒柱です。
He is the breadwinner.
Describing the person who financially supports a household, typically the main income earner.
Literally 'central pillar,' this is the most common and natural way to refer to the main breadwinner or financial pillar of a family. It carries a nuance of being the indispensable support.
父は家族の大黒柱です。
My father is the breadwinner of the family.
彼女が一家の大黒柱として働いている。
She works as the breadwinner for the family.
A more literal phrase meaning 'the person who supports the household finances.' It is clear and neutral, suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼は家計を支える人として責任を感じている。
He feels responsible as the breadwinner.
Means 'earner' or 'breadwinner.' Often used in contexts like 'the main earner' (主な稼ぎ手). Slightly more casual than 大黒柱.
Literally 'the person who supports/feeds the family.' This emphasizes the nurturing aspect of providing. It is less common for everyday use but appears in formal or emotional contexts.
彼女は家族を養う人として懸命に働いた。
She worked hard as the breadwinner supporting her family.
大黒柱 implies the central, indispensable pillar of the family, often with a traditional or emotional weight. 稼ぎ手 is a more neutral, functional term for 'earner.' Use 大黒柱 when emphasizing the role's importance, and 稼ぎ手 when simply stating who earns the money.
Traditionally 大黒柱 referred to the male head of household, but modern usage is gender-neutral. It is perfectly acceptable to use for a female breadwinner.
He is the main breadwinner of the family.