Difference between 夫 and 主人?


The words [夫]{おっと}and [主人]{しゅ・じん} both mean "husband".

What's the difference between them?




The meaning is basically the same as you said: husband.

According to [this website](http://xn--t8juf.net/2910.html) the main
difference is in the situation in which you use these words.

Simply put:

**「夫」:** You can use it in most situations.

**「主人」:** Mostly used when talking with superiors or people you're not very
familiar with.

**BONUS:**

**「旦那{だんな}」:** Is used when you are speaking with people you are familiar
with.

To be even more precise it seems that 「夫」 is used as the opposite word of
「妻{つま}」 (wife). On the other hand 主人 bears a bit more the meaning of "house
chief" or "master" (of the house).

I can expand more maybe later (I gotta go back to work now :p ).




The meaning is basically the same as you said: husband.

According to [this website](http://xn--t8juf.net/2910.html) the main
difference is in the situation in which you use these words.

Simply put:

**「夫」:** You can use it in most situations.

**「主人」:** Mostly used when talking with superiors or people you're not very
familiar with.

**BONUS:**

**「旦那{だんな}」:** Is used when you are speaking with people you are familiar
with.

To be even more precise it seems that 「夫」 is used as the opposite word of
「妻{つま}」 (wife). On the other hand 主人 bears a bit more the meaning of "house
chief" or "master" (of the house).

I can expand more maybe later (I gotta go back to work now :p ).

