Translation guide
The English word "owner" refers to a person who possesses something. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends heavily on context, such as the type of thing owned (business, pet, object) and the level of formality. Direct translations exist but are often replaced by more specific terms or omitted when clear from context.
To refer to the proprietor or person who runs a shop, restaurant, or company.
The most common and neutral term for a shop or store owner. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
あの店の店主はとても親切です。
The owner of that shop is very kind.
Loanword from English, commonly used for business owners, especially in modern or trendy contexts like cafes, bars, or startups.
彼はこのカフェのオーナーです。
He is the owner of this cafe.
Refers to a business owner or manager, emphasizing the management aspect. More formal and often used for larger businesses.
彼女は会社の経営者です。
She is the owner of the company.
To refer to the person who keeps and cares for a pet or animal.
The standard term for a pet owner. Used in everyday conversation and official contexts like veterinary clinics.
迷子の犬の飼い主を探しています。
We are looking for the owner of the lost dog.
A more casual, descriptive phrase meaning "the person who keeps (the animal)." Useful when the word 飼い主 feels too formal.
その猫を飼っている人は誰ですか？
Who is the owner of that cat? (lit. Who is the person keeping that cat?)
To refer to the person to whom something belongs.
General term for the owner of an object, especially when found or lost. Commonly used for items like wallets, bags, or keys.
この傘の持ち主はいますか？
Is the owner of this umbrella here?
Formal term for owner, often used in legal or official contexts, such as property or vehicle ownership.
A simple pattern meaning "belonging to ~" or "~'s thing." Very natural in casual speech.
それは私のものです。
That is mine. (lit. That is my thing.)
この本、誰のもの？
Whose book is this? (lit. This book, whose thing?)
To refer to someone who has ownership or control, often in a broader sense.
As above, but also used for abstract ownership like rights or accounts.
このアカウントの所有者は私です。
I am the owner of this account.
Can be used for abstract ownership in modern contexts, like project or team ownership.
In many everyday situations, Japanese speakers omit the word for "owner" when it's clear from context. For example, instead of saying "I'm the owner of this bag," you can simply say "これは私のです" (This is mine). Using 持ち主 or 所有者 in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stiff.
店主 (tenshu) is the safest choice for a shop owner. オーナー (ōnā) feels more modern and is common in service industries. 経営者 (keieisha) emphasizes the management role and is better for companies or larger enterprises.
Who is the owner of this land?
このプロジェクトのオーナーは田中さんです。
The owner of this project is Mr. Tanaka.