Translation and Meaning of: 家庭 - katei

The Japanese word 家庭[かてい] is essential for anyone looking to understand Japanese culture and daily life. It represents a fundamental concept in Japanese society, carrying meanings that go beyond simple translation. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it and curiosities about its cultural context. Whether you are learning Japanese or just have an interest in the language, this content will help unveil the details of 家庭.

Meaning and translation of 家庭 [かてい]

The word 家庭[かてい] is often translated as "home" or "family," but its meaning is broader. While "family" might only refer to the people, 家庭 encompasses the entire domestic environment, including the daily routine, values, and interactions within the home. It is a term that evokes the idea of a shared space where family relationships develop.

Differently from 家族[かぞく], which specifically refers to family members, 家庭 has a broader and more structural meaning. For example, when talking about "家庭 problems," a Japanese person would be referring to issues related to the domestic environment, and not necessarily to conflicts between relatives. This distinction is important for using the word correctly in conversations.

Origin and writing of 家庭

The word 家庭 is composed of two kanji: 家 (house) and 庭 (garden). Together, they form the idea of a "domestic space," where family life takes place. The kanji 家 is often used in terms related to residences, such as 家事[かじ] (household chores), while 庭 appears in words like 庭園[ていえん] (garden). This combination reinforces the concept of a welcoming and organized environment.

It is worth noting that 家庭 is not an ancient word, but its use became established during the modern period of Japan, especially with the emphasis on family life during the Meiji era. Before that, terms like 内[うち] (which can also mean "house" or "inside") were more common. Today, 家庭 is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, appearing in news, public policies, and everyday conversations.

How 家庭 is used in Japan today

In contemporary Japan, 家庭 is a word with strong cultural significance. It is present in discussions about education, such as in 家庭教育[かていきょういく] (family education), and in government policies aimed at supporting families. Companies also use the term in benefits like 家庭支援[かていしえん] (family support), highlighting its relevance in society.

Furthermore, 家庭 often appears in expressions like 家庭料理[かていりょうり] (home-cooked meals), which refers to simple and traditional dishes made at home. This usage reinforces the idea that the word is connected to values such as comfort and tradition. For Japanese language students, understanding these contexts helps in using 家庭 more naturally in real conversations.

Tips for memorizing 家庭

An effective way to remember 家庭 is to associate its kanjis with concrete images. Think of 家 (house) as the roof under which the family lives, and 庭 (garden) as the space around it, where memories are created. This visualization helps to cement not only the writing but also the emotional meaning behind the word.

Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as "私の家庭はにぎやかです" (My family/home is lively). Repeating this type of construction in real contexts makes it easier to internalize the vocabulary. Additionally, noting 家庭 on flashcards or apps like Anki can be useful for quick reviews.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 家族 (Kazoku) - Family
• 家族団らん (Kazokudanran) - Family meeting; a moment of togetherness in the family
• 家庭内 (Kateinai) - Inside the home; in the domestic environment
• 家庭的 (Kateiteki) - Related to home; domestic
• 家庭生活 (Kateiseikatsu) - Family life; daily life at home
• 家庭用 (Kateiyou) - For domestic use
• 家庭用品 (Kateiyouhin) - Home products
• 家庭教育 (Kateikyouiku) - Homeschooling; family education
• 家庭菜園 (Kateisaien) - Family garden; home garden
• 家庭料理 (Kateiryouli) - Homemade cooking; dishes made at home
• 家庭医学 (Kateiigaku) - Family medicine; home healthcare
• 家庭崩壊 (Kateihoukais) - Family collapse; disintegration of the family
• 家庭問題 (Kateimondai) - Family problems; issues within the family
• 家庭環境 (Kateikankyou) - Family environment; conditions at home
• 家庭裁判所 (Kateisaibansho) - Family court; justice for family matters
• 家庭内暴力 (Kateinai bouryoku) - Domestic violence; abuse at home
• 家庭内外 (Kateinai-gai) - Inside and outside the family; internal and external issues
• 家庭内恋愛 (Kateinai renai) - Relationships within the family; love between family members
• 家庭内労働 (Kateinai roudou) - Housework; work activities at home
• 家庭内共同生活 (Kateinai kyoudouseikatsu) - Community life within the home; family cohabitation

家庭

Romaji: katei
Kana: かてい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: home; family; residence

Meaning in English: home;family;household

Definition: Where do you live.

Example Sentences - (家庭) katei

See below some example sentences:

家庭は大切なものです。

Katei wa taisetsu na mono desu

The family is very important.

The home is important.

• 家庭 - Means "family" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "precious" in Japanese.
• な - it is a grammatical particle that indicates the adjectivization of the previous term.
• もの - means "thing" or "object" in Japanese.
• です - it is a polite way to state something in Japanese, equivalent to our "is" or "are".

私は仕事と家庭を兼ねることができます。

Watashi wa shigoto to katei wo kaneru koto ga dekimasu

I can reconcile work and family.

I can serve as work and home.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 仕事 (shigoto) - noun that means "work"
• と (to) - particle indicating a connection between two things
• 家庭 (katei) - noun meaning "family" or "home"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 兼ねる (kaneru) - verb meaning "to reconcile" or "to bring together"
• ことができます (koto ga dekimasu) - expression that indicates ability or capacity, meaning "to be able to"

私たちは共働き家庭です。

Watashitachi wa kyoudouki katei desu

We are a double -income family.

We are a family of double workers.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 共働き - "Working together" or "double job" in Japanese, referring to a couple who both work outside the home
• 家庭 - "Family" in Japanese
• です - "It is" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement