施主|せしゅseshu[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. noundonor; benefactor; almsgiver
2. nounchief mourner
3. nounclient (of a builder, etc.)

• Related篤志家とくしかWrittenWritten/formal prose. A public-spirited person devoted to social causes, leaning toward charitable support; 「施主」 points to temple almsgiving or hosting memorial services.
• Related支援者しえんしゃNeutralNeutral. A supporter who helps someone achieve a goal, as in 「被災者の支援者」; unlike 「施主」, it carries no religious coloring.
• Related支持者しじしゃNeutralNeutral. An adherent, often of a political stance, as in 「政党の支持者」; it is never used for almsgiving.
• Related後援者こうえんしゃWrittenWritten/formal prose. A patron or sponsor backing someone with money or goods — politicians, the arts, sports — as in 「後援者の会」; never used for almsgiving.

Use 「施主」 for someone who gives alms to a temple or hosts funerals and memorial services, as in 「施主として挨拶する」; it also means the client of a builder. For philanthropists say 「篤志家」, and for political supporters 「支持者」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 寺院じいんや僧そうに金品きんぴんを布施ふせする人ひと。
2. 葬儀そうぎ、法事ほうじ、供養くようを行おこなう当主とうしゅ。
3. 建築けんちくを発注はっちゅうした人ひと。