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B1 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

持ち家

mochiie Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 持ち家 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 持ち家 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning basic nouns and verbs. 'Mochiie' (持ち家) is a bit advanced for absolute beginners, but it is useful to know that it means 'my own house' in the context of ownership. You might learn it simply as 'house' (ie) first. Think of 'mochiie' as 'mochi' (to have) + 'ie' (house). If you want to say 'I have a house,' you can say 'Ie ga arimasu.' 'Mochiie' is the more specific word you use when you want to be clear that you don't rent it. At this level, just focus on recognizing the kanji for house (家) and the idea of 'having' (持ち). You might see this word in very simple pictures of a family standing in front of their own home. It is a good word to recognize on basic forms where you have to check a box for your housing status.

By the A2 level, you can talk about your daily life and your future plans. You might use 'mochiie' when talking about your family or your goals. For example, 'Shourai, mochiie ga hoshii desu' (I want my own house in the future). You are starting to understand that Japanese has different words for 'house' depending on the situation. You know that 'ie' is the general word, but 'mochiie' specifically means you own it. You might also encounter the word 'chintai' (rental) as its opposite. At this level, you should be able to answer simple questions like 'Do you live in a mochiie or a rental?' using these terms. It is also helpful to know that 'mochiie' can be an apartment (mansion) or a detached house (ikkedate).

At the B1 level, you are becoming more independent in Japanese. You can now discuss the pros and cons of different lifestyles. 'Mochiie' is a key vocabulary word for the 'Mochiie vs. Chintai' (Owning vs. Renting) debate, which is a very common topic in intermediate Japanese textbooks and exams like the JLPT N3. You should be able to explain why someone might want a 'mochiie'—for example, for 'anshin' (peace of mind) or as an 'shisan' (asset). You will also start to see 'mochiie' used in more complex sentences with particles like 'wo' and 'ni.' You might hear people talking about the 'mochiie-ritsu' (homeownership rate) in different parts of Japan. This is the level where you distinguish 'mochiie' from 'jitaku' (one's residence) based on the context of the conversation.

At the B2 level, you can understand complex texts and technical discussions. You will encounter 'mochiie' in news articles about the economy, real estate, and social issues like the aging population. You should understand the nuances of 'mochiie' in the context of 'juutaku ro-n' (housing loans) and 'kotei shisan zei' (fixed asset tax). You will see it used in phrases like 'mochiie shikou' (a preference for homeownership) and 'mochiie-ha' (the pro-ownership group). You can participate in debates about whether 'mochiie' is a good investment in a country with a shrinking population. You should also be aware of the social status associated with 'mochiie' in traditional Japanese company culture and how that is changing with the younger generation. Your usage should be precise, avoiding 'mochiie' when 'jitaku' or 'ikkedate' is more appropriate.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of Japanese society and language nuances. You recognize 'mochiie' not just as a word for a house, but as a symbol of the 'post-war regime' and the 'Japanese Dream.' You can read academic papers or high-level editorials that use 'mochiie' to discuss the 'Akiya Mondai' (vacant house problem) or the impact of inheritance laws on 'mochiie' distribution. You understand the historical transition from the 'extended family house' to the 'nuclear family mochiie.' You can use the word in formal presentations or reports, using related technical terms like 'shoyuu-ken' (ownership rights) and 'teitou-ken' (mortgage/collateral rights). You also understand the subtle social cues when someone mentions their 'mochiie,' such as their perceived financial stability or their roots in a particular community.

At the C2 level, you possess near-native mastery of the word 'mochiie' and its place in the Japanese linguistic landscape. You can analyze the etymology and the sociological evolution of the term. You are comfortable using 'mochiie' in philosophical or highly abstract discussions about the meaning of 'home' versus 'property.' You can effortlessly switch between 'mochiie,' 'jitaku,' 'wagaya,' and 'setaku' depending on the exact level of formality and emotional resonance required. You might use 'mochiie' to critique urban planning policies or to discuss the psychological effects of long-term debt on the Japanese workforce. You are also aware of regional variations in 'mochiie' culture, such as the high ownership rates in Toyama prefecture compared to Tokyo, and can discuss these trends with the authority of a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

持ち家 in 30 Seconds

Mochiie specifically refers to a house or apartment that the occupant owns legally and financially.
It is the direct antonym of chintai (rental) and is used in formal, financial, and administrative contexts.
In Japanese culture, owning a mochiie is a significant milestone representing stability and adulthood.
The term encompasses both detached houses and condominiums, focusing on the ownership status rather than the structure.

The Japanese word 持ち家 (mochiie) is a compound noun formed by the verb stem of motsu (to hold or possess) and the noun ie (house). In its most fundamental sense, it refers to a residential property that is owned by the occupant rather than being rented from a landlord. This term carries significant weight in Japanese society, often serving as a marker of financial stability, adulthood, and social standing. When a Japanese person speaks of their mochiie, they are not just describing a physical structure; they are often signaling that they have achieved a major life milestone, usually involving a long-term mortgage commitment known as a juutaku ro-n.

Core Concept: Homeownership as an asset and a permanent residence.

Historically, the desire for a 持ち家 was part of the post-war Japanese dream, similar to the American Dream. During the economic boom years, owning a piece of land and a detached house (ikkedate) was considered the ultimate goal for the 'salaryman' class. Even today, despite the rise of luxury rental apartments in urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka, the cultural preference for ownership remains strong in many demographics, particularly among young families who seek stability for their children's education and long-term community ties.

将来は都会を離れて、静かな田舎に持ち家を建てたいと考えています。
In the future, I am thinking about leaving the city and building my own home in a quiet rural area.

Societal Nuance: The term is frequently used in statistical surveys and financial planning to distinguish between homeowners and renters.

The word is versatile and can refer to both a detached house and a condominium unit (mansion) that one owns. In casual conversation, people might use the loanword 'My Home' (マイホーム) to express the emotional value of owning a house, whereas 持ち家 is used more objectively in discussions about assets, taxes, or general housing status. For example, a bank clerk or a real estate agent will almost exclusively use 持ち家 when discussing your financial profile.

彼は若くして持ち家を手に入れた。
He obtained his own home at a young age.

In the modern era, the debate between mochiie-ha (the pro-ownership faction) and chintai-ha (the pro-rental faction) is a common topic in lifestyle magazines and financial blogs. This word is the cornerstone of that entire sociological discussion. It touches upon themes of aging (security in retirement), mobility (the difficulty of moving once you own), and the declining population (the issue of 'akiya' or abandoned owned homes).

Economic Context: Associated with property taxes (kotei shisan zei) and long-term maintenance responsibilities.

日本の持ち家率は、地方に行くほど高くなる傾向にあります。
The homeownership rate in Japan tends to increase the further you go into the countryside.

親から譲り受けた持ち家があるので、家賃の心配はありません。
Since I have a house inherited from my parents, I don't have to worry about rent.

Using 持ち家 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its specific collocations. It is most frequently paired with verbs like aru (to exist/have), motsu (to hold/own), kau (to buy), or tateru (to build). Because it refers to an object of ownership, it often takes the object marker particle を (o) or the subject marker が (ga) when describing a state of being.

Common Pattern 1: [Person] は持ち家がある (Person has an owned home).

When you want to express the idea of 'owning a home' as a lifestyle choice or a status, the phrase mochiie o motsu is standard. This sounds more formal and permanent than simply saying you live in a house. It implies the legal and financial responsibility of ownership. In contrast, if you are discussing the pros and cons of buying versus renting, you would use the phrase mochiie ka chintai ka.

一生の買い物として、持ち家を選ぶ人が多いです。
Many people choose an owned home as the purchase of a lifetime.

Common Pattern 2: 持ち家を持つ (To own a home).

Another important usage involves the word shikou (inclination/preference). A person who prefers owning to renting is said to have mochiie shikou. This is a common term in marketing and sociology. You might also hear mochiie-zu (those who have owned homes) in demographic reports. Note that 持ち家 is almost never used to refer to someone else's house in a polite, social setting; in those cases, otaku or go-jitaku is preferred to show respect.

老後の安心のために持ち家を確保しておきたい。
I want to secure an owned home for peace of mind in my old age.

In formal writing, 持ち家 can be used as a prefix to other nouns to create compound terms. For instance, mochiie-ritsu (homeownership rate) is a standard economic indicator. Mochiie-teate (housing allowance for homeowners) is a term sometimes used in corporate HR, though such allowances are rarer than those for renters (yachin-teate).

Common Pattern 3: 持ち家派 (The pro-homeownership group).

最近の若者は持ち家にこだわらない人が増えている。
Recently, the number of young people who don't care about owning a home is increasing.

地震保険の加入率は、持ち家世帯で非常に高い。
The earthquake insurance enrollment rate is very high among homeowning households.

The word 持ち家 appears in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday practical. One of the most common places you will encounter it is in the financial sector. When applying for a credit card, a loan, or even a mobile phone contract, Japanese forms almost always ask about your 'residence type.' You will see mochiie listed as a primary option alongside chintai (rental) and shataku (company housing).

Administrative Forms: Standard classification for credit and insurance applications.

In the media, mochiie is a staple of 'Life Planning' (raifu puranningu) segments on morning variety shows. Financial experts often debate the merits of buying a house early versus renting for life. They use mochiie to discuss the total cost of ownership, including the hidden costs like the 'fixed asset tax' (kotei shisan zei) and 'management fees' (kanri-hi) for those who own condominiums.

ニュースでは「持ち家か賃貸か」という論争が繰り返されています。
The news often repeats the debate of 'owning versus renting.'

Real Estate Marketing: Used in advertisements to highlight the benefits of equity and customization.

Another common setting is the workplace. While Japanese corporate culture is changing, older colleagues might still ask younger employees about their plans for a mochiie as a way of gauging their commitment to the company or the city. Owning a home is traditionally seen as a sign that an employee is settled and unlikely to quit or move suddenly. This social expectation, while fading, still influences how the word is perceived in professional circles.

不動産屋のチラシには「夢の持ち家」という言葉がよく使われます。
The phrase 'dream home of your own' is often used in real estate flyers.

In sociological and government reports, mochiie is used to track the wealth gap and the aging population. For example, the 'Akiya Mondai' (vacant house problem) often focuses on mochiie that were built during the bubble era and are now left empty because the owners have passed away or moved to nursing homes. Here, the word takes on a more serious, systemic tone.

Legal and Tax Documents: Specifically used to define property rights and tax obligations.

政府の統計によると、日本の持ち家率は約60パーセントです。
According to government statistics, Japan's homeownership rate is about 60 percent.

彼は退職金を使って、郊外に小さな持ち家を買った。
He used his retirement payout to buy a small home of his own in the suburbs.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 持ち家 (mochiie) with jitaku (自宅) or ie (家). While they all translate to 'house' or 'home' in English, their usage is quite distinct. Jitaku simply means 'one's own residence' or 'at home,' regardless of whether you own it or rent it. If you are working from home, you say jitaku kinmu, not mochiie kinmu. Using mochiie in this context would sound very strange, as it focuses on the ownership status rather than the location.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Jitaku': Using 'mochiie' to describe where you are currently located instead of what you own.

Another common error is using mochiie when you actually mean ikkedate (一戸建て). Ikkedate refers to the architectural style—a detached, single-family house. While many ikkedate are mochiie, you can also rent a detached house (shakuya). Conversely, you can own an apartment unit, which is a mochiie but not an ikkedate. If you want to describe the physical building as a standalone structure, use ikkedate.

× 私は今、持ち家にいます。
○ 私は今、自宅にいます。
Correction: Use 'jitaku' to mean 'I am at home right now.'

Mistake 2: Over-using 'My Home' in Formal Contexts: Using the katakana 'My Home' when discussing financial assets or legal matters.

Learners also sometimes forget that mochiie is a relatively objective, almost dry term. If you are inviting a friend over, saying 'Come to my mochiie' sounds like you are inviting them to your 'owned property asset,' which is awkward and boastful. Instead, use uchi or ie. Save mochiie for when you are discussing the state of owning versus renting or when filling out official documentation.

× 持ち家を借りる。
○ 家を借りる / 賃貸物件を借りる。
Correction: You cannot 'rent' an 'owned house' in this linguistic sense; the terms are mutually exclusive.

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'ii' in mochiie is a long vowel (or rather, two separate 'i' sounds: the 'i' from 'mochi' and the 'ie' from 'house'). Some learners shorten it to 'mochie,' which could be confused with other words or simply sound like a mispronunciation of 'mochi' (the rice cake). Ensure both the 'i' of mochi and the 'i' of ie are distinct.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Ikkedate': Assuming all 'mochiie' are detached houses. Remember that owned condos are also 'mochiie.'

マンションを買ったので、今は持ち家です。
I bought a condo, so now I have an owned home (even though it is not a detached house).

Understanding the ecosystem of Japanese housing terms is essential for choosing the right word for the right situation. While 持ち家 is the standard term for an owned home, several other words offer different nuances or focuses. Below is a comparison of the most common alternatives.

持ち家 (Mochiie) vs. 自宅 (Jitaku)

持ち家: Focuses strictly on ownership. Used in financial, legal, and formal contexts.

自宅: Focuses on the location or the fact that it is 'your' place. Can be rented or owned. Used for phrases like 'working from home' (jitaku kinmu) or 'I forgot it at home' (jitaku ni wasureta).

持ち家 (Mochiie) vs. マイホーム (My Home)

持ち家: Objective and factual. Sounds like an asset category.

マイホーム: Subjective and emotional. Evokes the dream of family life, interior design, and personal comfort. Often used in advertising and casual conversation about one's dreams.

持ち家 (Mochiie) vs. 一戸建て (Ikkedate)

持ち家: Defines the legal status. Includes both houses and condos.

一戸建て: Defines the building type (a standalone house). You can have a 'mochiie' that is a 'mansion' (condo), or an 'ikkedate' that is a 'chintai' (rental).

彼は分譲マンションに住んでいるので、持ち家ですが一戸建てではありません。
He lives in a purchased condo, so it is an owned home but not a detached house.

Other related terms include shakuya (借家), which is the literal antonym—a house that is borrowed or rented. There is also bunjo (分譲), which refers to property (either land, houses, or condos) that is sold in lots; a 'bunjo mansion' is a condo unit you buy to own. Finally, wagaya (我が家) is a very warm, personal way to say 'our home,' focusing on the family unit rather than the property value.

将来、持ち家を持つか賃貸で通すかは、人生の大きな決断です。
Whether to own a home or stick with renting in the future is a major life decision.

In summary, use mochiie when the conversation is about the status of ownership or real estate as an asset. Use jitaku for location, ikkedate for building style, and my home for aspirational feelings. Mastering these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Quick Comparison Table

Mochiie: Ownership focus (Asset).
Jitaku: Location focus (Residence).
Ikkedate: Physical structure (Detached).
Chintai: Rental status.

不動産投資家は、自分が住む持ち家以外にも物件を所有している。
Real estate investors own properties other than the home they live in.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, homeownership was often tied to social class and the 'gonin-gumi' (five-household group) system of collective responsibility.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɒtʃiː.iː/

US /moʊtʃi.ieɪ/

The pitch accent is typically 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively consistent throughout the word, though some dialects may vary.

Rhymes With

Ie (house) Hie (chills) Mie (appearance/vanity) Nie (boiling) Kie (disappearance) Shie (private) Jie (self-defense) Yie (becoming/yielding)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'mochie' (omitting one 'i' sound).
Pronouncing 'ie' like the English 'eye'.
Stress on the first syllable (MO-chiie) which sounds unnatural.
Confusing the 'chi' with 'shi'.
Shortening the final 'e' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common, but the compound meaning requires some cultural context.

Writing 3/5

The kanji for 'mochi' (持) and 'ie' (家) are standard intermediate level.

Speaking 2/5

The word is easy to pronounce and very common in lifestyle discussions.

Listening 2/5

Clearly articulated and frequently used in media and banking.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

家 (Ie - House) 持つ (Motsu - To hold/own) 買う (Kau - To buy) 住む (Sumu - To live) ある (Aru - To exist/have)

Learn Next

賃貸 (Chintai - Rental) 住宅ローン (Juutaku ro-n - Mortgage) 固定資産税 (Kotei shisan zei - Fixed asset tax) 一戸建て (Ikkedate - Detached house) マンション (Mansion - Condo)

Advanced

相続 (Souzoku - Inheritance) 資産価値 (Shisan kachi - Asset value) 空き家問題 (Akiya mondai - Vacant house problem) 借地権 (Shakuchi-ken - Land lease rights)

Grammar to Know

Noun + がある (Existence/Possession)

持ち家があります。

Noun + を持つ (Possession/Ownership)

持ち家を持つ。

Noun + か + Noun + か (Alternative)

持ち家か賃貸か。

Noun + 志向 (Preference/Inclination)

持ち家志向。

Noun + 派 (Faction/Group)

持ち家派。

Examples by Level

私は持ち家があります。

I have an owned house.

Uses the basic 'ga arimasu' pattern for possession.

これは私の持ち家です。

This is my owned house.

A simple 'A wa B desu' sentence structure.

持ち家は大きいです。

The owned house is big.

Uses an adjective to describe the noun.

父は持ち家を持っています。

My father owns a house.

Uses the verb 'motsu' (to hold/own).

持ち家はどこですか？

Where is your owned house?

A simple question using 'doko'.

きれいな持ち家ですね。

It is a beautiful owned house, isn't it?

Uses the adjective 'kirei' and the particle 'ne'.

持ち家がほしいです。

I want an owned house.

Uses the 'hoshii' pattern for desire.

あそこに持ち家があります。

There is an owned house over there.

Uses 'asoko' to indicate location.

将来、持ち家を買いたいです。

I want to buy an owned home in the future.

Uses the 'tai' form of the verb 'kau' (to buy).

私の家族は持ち家に住んでいます。

My family lives in an owned home.

Uses 'ni sunde iru' for residence.

持ち家か賃貸、どちらがいいですか？

Owned home or rental, which is better?

Uses 'dochira' for choosing between two things.

彼は持ち家を建てました。

He built an owned home.

Uses 'tateru' (to build) in the past tense.

持ち家には庭があります。

The owned home has a garden.

Uses 'ni wa' to indicate the topic of the location.

持ち家を持つのは大変ですか？

Is it hard to own a home?

Uses the nominalizer 'no' to turn the phrase into a subject.

この辺りは持ち家が多いです。

There are many owned homes around here.

Uses 'ooi' (many) to describe the area.

持ち家を探しています。

I am looking for an owned home.

Uses 'sagashite iru' for a current action.

持ち家があると、老後が安心だと言われています。

It is said that having an owned home provides peace of mind for old age.

Uses the passive 'iwarete iru' (it is said).

持ち家を維持するには、多くのお金がかかります。

It takes a lot of money to maintain an owned home.

Uses 'ni wa' to indicate purpose or requirement.

賃貸よりも持ち家の方が、自由にリフォームできます。

You can renovate more freely in an owned home than in a rental.

Uses the 'yori mo... no hou ga' comparison pattern.

彼は持ち家を手放すことにした。

He decided to part with (sell) his owned home.

Uses 'tebanasu' (to let go/part with) and 'koto ni shita' (decided to).

持ち家を持つメリットとデメリットを考えましょう。

Let's consider the merits and demerits of owning a home.

Uses 'mashou' for a suggestion.

都会では持ち家を持つのが難しいです。

It is difficult to own a home in the city.

Uses the adjective 'muzukashii' with a nominalized phrase.

親の持ち家を相続することになりました。

It has been decided that I will inherit my parents' owned home.

Uses 'souzoku suru' (to inherit) and 'koto ni narimashita' (it was decided/arranged).

持ち家志向の人が減っているという調査結果があります。

There are survey results showing that the number of people who prefer owning a home is decreasing.

Uses 'mochiie shikou' (homeownership preference) as a compound noun.

住宅ローンの完済は、持ち家を持つ人にとって大きな目標です。

Paying off the mortgage is a major goal for people who own a home.

Uses 'kansai' (full repayment) and 'ni totte' (for/from the perspective of).

持ち家は資産価値が下がるリスクも考慮しなければなりません。

For an owned home, one must also consider the risk of the asset value decreasing.

Uses 'nakereba narimasen' (must) and 'kouryo suru' (to consider).

固定資産税の支払いは、持ち家所有者の義務です。

Paying fixed asset tax is the duty of a homeowner.

Uses 'shoyuu-sha' (owner) and 'gimu' (duty/obligation).

転勤が多い仕事だと、持ち家を持つのはリスクが高い。

If you have a job with many transfers, owning a home is high risk.

Uses 'da to' as a conditional 'if'.

日本の持ち家比率は、地方と都市部で大きな差があります。

Japan's homeownership rate has a large gap between rural and urban areas.

Uses 'mochiie hiritsu' (homeownership rate) and 'sa' (gap/difference).

持ち家を担保にして、銀行から融資を受ける。

To use an owned home as collateral and receive a loan from a bank.

Uses 'tanpo ni shite' (using as collateral).

最近では、持ち家をリノベーションして住む若者が増えています。

Recently, the number of young people who renovate and live in owned homes is increasing.

Uses 'rinobeshon shite sumu' (renovate and live).

持ち家か賃貸かの論争に、正解はありません。

There is no correct answer to the debate of owning versus renting.

Uses 'ronsou' (debate/controversy) and 'seikai' (correct answer).

少子高齢化が進む中で、持ち家の相続問題が深刻化しています。

As the birthrate declines and the population ages, the issue of inheriting owned homes is becoming more serious.

Uses 'shinkoku-ka suru' (to become serious/aggravated).

持ち家を負債と考えるか資産と考えるかは、経済状況によります。

Whether to consider an owned home a liability or an asset depends on the economic situation.

Uses 'ka... ka' for alternative possibilities and 'ni yoru' (depends on).

都市部での持ち家取得は、もはや特権階級のものになりつつある。

Acquiring an owned home in urban areas is becoming something for the privileged class.

Uses 'tsutsu aru' to indicate a process currently in motion.

空き家バンクを活用して、格安で持ち家を手に入れる人がいる。

Some people use 'vacant house banks' to obtain owned homes at a bargain price.

Uses 'katsuyou shite' (utilizing/making use of).

持ち家を持つことが、個人のアイデンティティ形成にどう影響するか。

How does owning a home affect the formation of an individual's identity?

Uses 'keisei' (formation) and 'dou eikyou suru ka' (how it affects).

住宅政策の転換により、持ち家促進から賃貸支援へシフトしている。

Due to a shift in housing policy, the focus is moving from promoting homeownership to supporting rentals.

Uses 'tenkan' (conversion/shift) and 'shifuto shite iru' (shifting).

持ち家を所有することの心理的障壁は、低成長時代に高まっている。

The psychological barriers to owning a home are rising in an era of low growth.

Uses 'shinri-teki shouheki' (psychological barrier).

持ち家は、単なる居住空間以上の社会的意味を内包している。

An owned home contains social meanings beyond being just a living space.

Uses 'naihou suru' (to involve/contain/imply).

持ち家神話の崩壊は、日本人のライフスタイルの多様化を象徴している。

The collapse of the 'homeownership myth' symbolizes the diversification of Japanese lifestyles.

Uses 'shinwa' (myth) and 'shouchou suru' (to symbolize).

流動性の低い持ち家は、労働市場の柔軟性を阻害する要因となり得る。

Owned homes with low liquidity can be a factor that hinders labor market flexibility.

Uses 'ryuudousei' (liquidity) and 'sogai suru' (to hinder/obstruct).

持ち家を巡る税制の不均衡は、世代間の格差を助長している。

The tax system imbalance surrounding owned homes is promoting intergenerational inequality.

Uses 'fukinkou' (imbalance) and 'jojo suru' (to promote/encourage something bad).

持ち家という私有財産が、公共の福祉と対立する場面も少なくない。

There are many instances where the private property of an owned home conflicts with public welfare.

Uses 'shiyuu zaisan' (private property) and 'tairitsu suru' (to conflict).

持ち家がコミュニティ形成の核となる一方で、排他的な空間を生む懸念もある。

While owned homes become the core of community formation, there are concerns they create exclusive spaces.

Uses 'ippou de' (on the other hand) and 'haitateki' (exclusive).

持ち家志向の減退は、定住意識の希薄化と密接に関連している。

The decline in homeownership preference is closely related to the weakening of the sense of permanent settlement.

Uses 'kihaku-ka' (dilution/weakening) and 'missetsu ni' (closely).

人口減少社会における持ち家の出口戦略は、極めて困難な課題である。

The exit strategy for owned homes in a depopulating society is an extremely difficult challenge.

Uses 'deguchi senryaku' (exit strategy) and 'kiwamete' (extremely).

持ち家を永続的な聖域と見なす観念は、近代家族モデルの産物である。

The notion of regarding an owned home as a permanent sanctuary is a product of the modern family model.

Uses 'sei-iki' (sanctuary) and 'sanbutsu' (product/result).

Common Collocations

持ち家がある

持ち家を持つ

持ち家を建てる

持ち家比率

持ち家か賃貸か

持ち家志向

持ち家を相続する

持ち家を手放す

持ち家世帯

持ち家派

Common Phrases

夢の持ち家

— The dream of owning one's own house. Often used in real estate marketing to evoke aspiration.

ついに夢の持ち家を手に入れた。

持ち家を持つ喜び

— The joy of owning a home. Refers to the emotional satisfaction of ownership.

持ち家を持つ喜びを噛みしめる。

持ち家と賃貸の比較

— Comparing owning and renting. A standard topic in financial planning.

持ち家と賃貸の比較サイトを見る。

持ち家の維持費

— Maintenance costs for an owned home. Refers to taxes and repairs.

持ち家の維持費は意外と高い。

持ち家の資産価値

— The asset value of an owned home. Refers to the resale price and land value.

持ち家の資産価値を気にする。

持ち家を手に入れる

— To obtain or acquire an owned home. Used when buying or inheriting.

努力して持ち家を手に入れた。

持ち家のリフォーム

— Renovating an owned home. Implies the freedom to change the property.

持ち家のリフォームを計画する。

持ち家を手放す

— To part with or sell an owned home. Often implies a difficult decision.

思い出の詰まった持ち家を手放す。

地方の持ち家

— An owned home in the countryside. Often associated with more space and lower costs.

地方の持ち家でゆったり暮らす。

持ち家住宅ローン

— A mortgage for an owned home. The most common way to finance a purchase.

持ち家住宅ローンの審査に通る。

Often Confused With

持ち家 vs 自宅 (Jitaku)

Jitaku is where you live (rent or own). Mochiie is only what you own.

持ち家 vs 一戸建て (Ikkedate)

Ikkedate is a detached house. Mochiie can be a house or a condo.

持ち家 vs 借家 (Shakuya)

Shakuya is a rented house. It is the opposite of mochiie.

Idioms & Expressions

"持ち家神話"

— The 'myth of homeownership'—the belief that owning a home is always the best financial and social choice.

持ち家神話が崩れつつあると言われている。

Sociological/Journalistic

"持ち家は負債"

— The idea that an owned home is a liability rather than an asset, popularized by modern financial theorists.

最近は「持ち家は負債だ」と考える人もいる。

Financial/Debate

"終の棲家としての持ち家"

— An owned home as one's 'final abode' or place to spend the rest of one's life.

彼はここを終の棲家としての持ち家にするつもりだ。

Literary/Formal

"持ち家貧乏"

— Being 'house poor'—owning a house but having no disposable income due to high mortgage payments.

無理なローンを組むと、持ち家貧乏になりかねない。

Colloquial/Warning

"持ち家は城"

— The idea that 'a man's home is his castle' (one's owned home is a place of absolute authority and safety).

持ち家は城だから、好きに改造したい。

Idiomatic

"持ち家志向の強まり"

— A strengthening preference for homeownership, often seen during periods of low interest rates.

低金利の影響で持ち家志向の強まりが見られる。

Economic/Formal

"持ち家を担保に入れる"

— To put one's owned home up as collateral for a loan.

事業のために持ち家を担保に入れた。

Legal/Business

"持ち家を持つ責任"

— The responsibility of owning a home, including neighborhood duties and maintenance.

持ち家を持つ責任を痛感する。

Social/Moral

"持ち家比率の低下"

— A decline in the homeownership rate, often used to discuss economic shifts.

若年層の持ち家比率の低下が問題視されている。

Statistical

"持ち家一本槍"

— Being solely focused on homeownership as the only viable housing option.

持ち家一本槍の考え方は、今の時代には合わない。

Critical/Idiomatic

Easily Confused

持ち家 vs 自宅

Both translate to 'home'.

Jitaku refers to the location of residency regardless of ownership. Mochiie refers specifically to ownership status.

自宅で仕事をします (I work at home). 持ち家があります (I own a home).

持ち家 vs 一戸建て

Many owned homes are detached houses.

Ikkedate is the architectural form (detached). Mochiie is the legal form (owned).

一戸建ての賃貸 (A rented detached house).

持ち家 vs マンション

People often say 'I bought a mansion' to mean 'I have a mochiie'.

Mansion is a building type (condo). Mochiie is the ownership status.

持ち家のマンション (An owned condo unit).

持ち家 vs マイホーム

Both mean 'owned home'.

My Home is emotional and aspirational. Mochiie is factual and clinical.

夢のマイホーム (Dream home).

持ち家 vs 分譲

Used in property sales.

Bunjo refers to the act of selling in lots. Mochiie is the resulting status of the buyer.

分譲マンションを買って持ち家にする (Buy a bunjo condo and make it an owned home).

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は持ち家があります。

私は持ち家があります。

将来、持ち家を [Verb] たいです。

将来、持ち家を買いたいです。

持ち家か賃貸か、[Verb]。

持ち家か賃貸か、悩んでいます。

持ち家を [Verb] のは [Adjective] です。

持ち家を維持するのは大変です。

持ち家のメリットは [Sentence] ことです。

持ち家のメリットは自由にリフォームできることです。

持ち家を [Verb] ことにした。

持ち家を手放すことにした。

持ち家を [Verb] ことで、[Result]。

持ち家を持つことで、老後の不安が解消される。

持ち家という [Concept] は、[Opinion]。

持ち家という私有財産は、個人の自由を象徴している。

Word Family

Nouns

持ち家 (Mochiie - Owned home)

持ち家率 (Mochiie-ritsu - Homeownership rate)

持ち家政策 (Mochiie-seisaku - Homeownership policy)

持ち家所有者 (Mochiie-shoyuusha - Homeowner)

Verbs

持ち家を持つ (Mochiie o motsu - To own a home)

持ち家を建てる (Mochiie o tateru - To build a home)

持ち家を買う (Mochiie o kau - To buy a home)

Adjectives

持ち家志向の (Mochiie-shikou no - Homeownership-oriented)

自宅 (Jitaku - One's residence)

一戸建て (Ikkedate - Detached house)

分譲 (Bunjou - Sale of land/property in lots)

住宅ローン (Juutaku ro-n - Housing loan)

固定資産税 (Kotei shisan zei - Fixed asset tax)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in adult life, banking, news, and real estate.

Common Mistakes

Using 'mochiie' to mean 'at home'. → 自宅 (Jitaku) or 家 (Ie).
Mochiie refers to the property you own, not the location where you are currently located.
Saying 'Mochiie o kariru' (rent an owned home). → 家を借りる (Ie o kariru).
You cannot 'rent' an 'owned home' because the word 'mochiie' implies that you are the owner.
Assuming 'mochiie' only means a detached house. → It can be a condo too.
Ownership status is independent of the building's architectural style.
Using 'mochiie' in a very casual invitation. → うち (Uchi) or 家 (Ie).
'Come to my mochiie' sounds like you are inviting someone to your 'asset,' which is socially awkward.
Forgetting the long 'ii' sound. → Mochiie.
Shortening it to 'mochie' makes it sound like a different word or a mistake.

Tips

Use with 'Aru'

The most common way to say you own a home is 'Mochiie ga arimasu.' It is simple and clear.

Learn the Antonym

Always learn 'mochiie' alongside 'chintai' (rental). They are two sides of the same coin in housing discussions.

The 'My Home' Nuance

Use 'My Home' when you want to sound warm or talk about your dreams. Use 'mochiie' for facts.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'mochi' (持) has the hand radical on the left. Think of a hand 'holding' the property.

Identify the Context

If you hear 'mochiie' in a bank, it's about a loan. If you hear it in a news report, it's about the economy.

Humble Alternative

In very formal settings, don't use 'mochiie' for your own house; use 'setaku' (拙宅) to be humble.

Bunjo vs. Mochiie

Remember that 'bunjo' is the sale type, while 'mochiie' is the ownership status you gain after buying.

Inheritance

'Mochiie' is the key word when discussing 'souzoku' (inheritance) of family property.

Mochiie vs. Jitaku

Never say 'Mochiie ni kaeru' (return to my owned home); say 'Jitaku ni kaeru' or 'Uchi ni kaeru'.

Asset Talk

When discussing 'shisan' (assets), 'mochiie' is the correct technical term to use.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mochi' (the sticky rice cake) being 'held' (mochi) inside your own 'house' (ie). You own the mochi, and you own the house!

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing proudly with a giant key in front of a house, holding the key like a treasure. The action of 'holding' (motsi) the key to the 'house' (ie) is 'mochi-ie'.

Word Web

Property Asset Mortgage Stability Garden Inheritance Taxes Renovation

Challenge

Try to use 'mochiie' in a sentence that explains why you would prefer owning a house over renting one. Use the word 'meritto' (merit) in your sentence.

Word Origin

A compound of the Japanese words 'mochi' (holding/owning) and 'ie' (house). It uses native Japanese kun-yomi readings for both kanji.

Original meaning: Literally 'a house that one holds' or 'a house that one owns.'

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing homeownership with younger people in Japan, as many feel priced out of the market or are burdened by the 'Akiya' (vacant house) inheritance problem.

Similar to the concept of the 'American Dream' or 'Getting on the property ladder' in the UK.

The 'Mochiie vs. Chintai' debate is a frequent topic on Japanese talk shows like 'Honmadekka!? TV'. Real estate apps like SUUMO and Homes revolve around the 'mochiie' market. The term appears in many 'Salaryman' manga where the protagonist struggles with a 35-year mortgage.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Financial Planning

持ち家の維持費
持ち家と賃貸の比較
資産としての持ち家
住宅ローンの審査

Real Estate Marketing

夢の持ち家
持ち家を手に入れる
憧れの持ち家
新築の持ち家

Administrative Forms

住居の種類：持ち家
持ち家所有
持ち家・賃貸の別
持ち家（本人名義）

Casual Lifestyle Talk

持ち家派
持ち家がほしい
持ち家のリフォーム
持ち家は大変

Sociological Discussions

持ち家比率の推移
持ち家神話
持ち家と少子化
地方の持ち家事情

Conversation Starters

"将来は持ち家が欲しいですか、それとも賃貸がいいですか？"

"最近、持ち家をリフォームするのが流行っていますね。"

"持ち家を持つことの一番のメリットは何だと思いますか？"

"日本の持ち家比率が高い理由は何だと思いますか？"

"持ち家を相続したら、あなたならどうしますか？"

Journal Prompts

自分の理想の持ち家について詳しく書いてみてください。場所、大きさ、デザインはどうですか？

「持ち家か賃貸か」という議論について、あなたの意見を理由とともに述べてください。

持ち家を持つことで、人の生活や責任感はどう変わると思いますか？

もし持ち家を自由にリフォームできるなら、どのような部屋を作りたいですか？

あなたの国と日本で、持ち家に対する考え方に違いはありますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'mochiie' refers to any residential property you own, including condominiums (mansions) and detached houses (ikkedate). Ownership is the key factor, not the building style.

'Jitaku' means 'one's residence' or 'at home.' You can use it if you rent or own. 'Mochiie' specifically means 'a house I own.' You wouldn't say 'I'm at my mochiie' to mean 'I'm at home.'

It is a neutral to formal word. It is used in news, banking, and official forms. In casual conversation, people often use 'My Home' or simply 'ie' or 'uchi'.

It is called 'mochiie-ritsu' (持ち家率). This is a common term in economic news and sociological reports.

Yes, you can say 'oya no mochiie' (parents' owned home). This is common when discussing inheritance or family visits.

It can be sensitive because it relates to wealth and debt. It is better to wait for them to mention it or use more general terms like 'Where do you live?'

'Mochiie-ha' (持ち家派) refers to people who believe that owning a home is better than renting. The opposite is 'chintai-ha' (賃貸派).

Usually, yes. In Japan, owning a detached 'mochiie' typically includes owning the land it stands on, whereas owning a condo 'mochiie' includes a shared interest in the land.

Common costs include the mortgage (juutaku ro-n), fixed asset tax (kotei shisan zei), and maintenance/repair costs (shuuzen-hi).

It represents stability, social status, and a sense of belonging to a community. It was the centerpiece of the post-war Japanese economic dream.