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家
ie
home
私の家は大きいです。
My home is big.
formal
A place where a person or family lives; a residence.
この家は古いですが、とても居心地が良いです。
This house is old, but very comfortable.
彼は新しい家を買いました。
He bought a new house.
家 refers to the physical building or structure where people live, while 家庭 emphasizes the family unit living there.
formal
A household; a family unit living together.
私の家には両親と妹がいます。
My household consists of my parents and younger sister.
この家は代々続いています。
This family has continued for generations.
家 can also refer to the family lineage or household as a social unit.
formal
A person's family background or lineage.
彼は由緒ある家の出です。
He comes from a distinguished family.
この家は武家の出身です。
This family descends from a samurai lineage.
Often used in historical or formal contexts to denote social status.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 家, 家庭, and 家族
家 refers to the physical house or the family lineage. 家庭 emphasizes the family unit living together, while 家族 refers to the members of the family. For example, 家 is the building, 家族 are the people, and 家庭 is the household as a social unit.
Gold Rule
When to use 家 vs. 家庭
Use 家 when referring to the physical structure or lineage (e.g., この家は古いです 'This house is old'). Use 家庭 when referring to the family unit living together (e.g., 家庭の事情 'family circumstances').
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *ipa (house, home), ultimately from Proto-Japonic *ipa. Related to 家屋 (かおく, house) and 家庭 (かてい, household).
Usage Notes
家 is a broad term that can refer to the physical dwelling, the family living in it, or the family lineage. Context determines the meaning. In modern usage, 家庭 (かてい) often emphasizes the family unit, while 家 emphasizes the physical structure or lineage.
Word Breakdown
家
house; home; family
root和英辞典