Translation and Meaning of: 実家 - jika

The Japanese word 実家[じっか] is a common term in everyday life in Japan, but it can raise questions for language learners. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and cultural use, as well as practical tips for memorization. If you have ever wondered what 実家 means or how to use it in conversations, this guide will clarify everything in a straightforward and precise manner.

Meaning and translation of 実家

Jikka [じっか] is a compound word made up of the kanji 実 (true, real) and 家 (house, home). Together, they form the concept of "parents' house" or "family home." This expression is used to refer to the house where a person grew up, usually associated with their childhood family.

Unlike 家[いえ], which simply means "house," 実家 carries a deeper emotional meaning. It evokes memories and family ties, and is often used by adults who no longer live with their parents but maintain a connection to their home of origin.

Cultural use and context

In Japan, 実家 reflects important social values, such as respect for ancestors and the maintenance of family ties. Many Japanese people return to their 実家 during holidays like New Year's, reinforcing traditions and bonds.

The term also appears in bureaucratic situations, such as forms that ask about the "family register house." Culturally, it represents not only a physical space but also identity and belonging, concepts central to Japanese society.

Tips for memorization and use

An effective way to remember 実家 is to associate its kanjis with the meaning: 実 as "root" or "origin" and 家 as "house". Together, they form the idea of "house of origins". This visual breakdown helps to reinforce the term.

In practice, you can use 実家 in sentences like "実家に帰ります" (I will return to my parents' house). Observing its use in Japanese dramas or manga is also helpful, as the term appears frequently in family and emotional contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 故郷 (furusato) - Homeland, place of origin
• ふるさと (furusato) - Homeland, place where they grew up
• 家元 (iemoto) - Head of a traditional school, often linked to martial or social arts.
• 本家 (honke) - Main house or original house of a family, usually the most respectable one.
• 旧家 (kyūke) - Old house, family with a long tradition

実家

Romaji: jika
Kana: じっか
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: (your parents) at home

Meaning in English: (one's parents') home

Definition: The house where the person's family lives or where they were born and raised.

Example Sentences - (実家) jika

See below some example sentences:

私の実家は山の中にあります。

Watashi no jikka wa yama no naka ni arimasu

My parents' house is in the mountains.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 実家 - noun meaning "parents' house", "family home"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 山 - noun that means "mountain"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 中 - noun that means "middle", "center"
• に - particle indicating location, equivalent to "in"
• あります - verb that means "to be", "to exist"