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A2 noun 12 min read

実家

jikka

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 実家 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 実家 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 実家 (jikka) means 'parents' home.' It is a noun. You use it when you want to talk about where your parents live, especially if you live in a different place now. For example, if you are a student living in an apartment, you would call your parents' house your jikka. The most important phrase to learn is jikka ni kaeru, which means 'to go back to my parents' home.' This is very common during holidays. Remember that jikka is different from uchi (home/house). Uchi can be any house, but jikka is specifically for parents. Imagine you are drawing a family tree; the house at the root of your branch is your jikka. It is a simple but essential word for talking about your family and where you come from in basic Japanese introductions.

At the A2 level, you should understand how to use 実家 (jikka) with different particles and in more varied sentences. You will learn to say things like 'My parents' home is in [City]' using the pattern jikka wa [City] ni arimasu. You should also start using the polite version go-jikka when asking other people about their parents' homes. For example, 'Go-jikka wa doko desu ka?' (Where is your parents' home?). You will also encounter the term jikka-gurashi, which means living with your parents. At this level, you can begin to describe activities you do there, such as eating dinner or sleeping. Understanding that jikka is a destination for 'returning' (kaeru) rather than just 'going' (iku) is a key nuance at this stage. It shows you understand the social connection between a person and their family home.

At the B1 level, you can use 実家 (jikka) to discuss more complex social and personal situations. You might talk about the reasons for returning to your jikka, such as for a festival, to help with a family business (kagyou), or to save money. You should be comfortable using jikka in the context of 'relying on parents' (jikka ni tayoru) or 'moving out' (jikka o deru). You will also start to notice the word in media, such as news reports about the 'homecoming rush' (kisei-rush). At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between jikka and furusato (hometown), noting that jikka is the specific residence while furusato is the general area. You can also use the word to describe feelings of comfort, using phrases like jikka no you na anshinkan (a sense of security like being at one's parents' home).

At the B2 level, you should understand the sociological implications of the 実家 (jikka). This includes the 'parasite single' phenomenon (adults living at their jikka to maintain a high standard of living) and the 'U-turn' phenomenon (moving back to one's jikka after working in the city). You should be able to discuss inheritance (sozoku) and the challenges of maintaining an old family home. The word jikka often appears in literature and film to represent themes of nostalgia, duty, and the conflict between individual desire and family expectations. You should be able to use the word fluently in formal debates or essays about Japanese demographics and the changing nature of the family unit. You will also recognize more poetic or archaic synonyms like sato and understand when they are used for stylistic effect.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and legal nuances of 実家 (jikka). You can discuss the transition from the traditional ie system to the modern nuclear family and how the concept of jikka has evolved. You are aware of the 'Akiya problem' (vacant houses) and can use jikka in professional contexts such as real estate, law, or sociology. You can analyze how the term is used in classic Japanese literature to signify social standing and ancestral pride. Your use of honorifics (keigo) regarding go-jikka should be flawless, and you can navigate the subtle social dynamics of visiting a superior's jikka. You also understand the psychological weight of 'cleaning out the parental home' (jikka no katazuke) as a ritual of grieving and transition in contemporary Japanese society.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 実家 (jikka) is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can appreciate the most subtle linguistic puns and cultural references involving the word. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'home' in a Japanese context, contrasting the Western concept of home as a private individual space with the Japanese jikka as a collective ancestral space. You are capable of reading and interpreting complex legal documents regarding family registries and property rights that use jikka in technical ways. You can also engage in high-level academic discussions about how the concept of jikka influences Japanese urban planning, economic consumption patterns (such as the 'jikka-ben' or parental support economy), and social welfare policies. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a window into the deep structure of Japanese civilization.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

実家 in 30 Seconds

Jikka means 'one's parents' home' and is used to refer to the house where a person grew up or where their parents currently reside.
It is a central concept in Japanese culture, representing a person's roots and the primary place for family gatherings during major holidays.
Grammatically, it is a noun often paired with the verb 'kaeru' (to return) and requires the polite prefix 'go-' when referring to others' homes.
It is distinct from 'jitaku' (one's own current home) and 'furusato' (one's broader hometown or region), focusing specifically on the parental residence.

The Japanese word 実家 (jikka) is a cornerstone of Japanese social and familial vocabulary. At its most basic level, it translates to 'one's parents' home' or 'one's family home.' However, its emotional and cultural weight far exceeds a simple dictionary definition. In the Japanese consciousness, jikka represents the ultimate place of return, a sanctuary of childhood memories, and the physical manifestation of one's lineage. Unlike the English term 'parents' house,' which can feel somewhat descriptive or detached, jikka carries a sense of permanence and origin. Even if a person has lived in their own apartment for thirty years, their parents' house remains their jikka. It is the 'real' or 'original' house, as suggested by the kanji 実 (meaning truth, reality, or fruit) and 家 (meaning house or family). This distinction is vital in Japanese culture because of the historical ie (house) system, where the family line was tied to a specific physical location and ancestral lineage.

Core Concept: The term refers to the house where one grew up or where one's parents currently reside. It is used exclusively to refer to one's own or someone else's original family home, never to a house one has purchased for their own nuclear family.
Societal Role: In modern Japan, the jikka serves as a hub during major holidays like Oshogatsu (New Year) and Obon (Festival of the Dead). Millions of people participate in the '帰省' (kisei) or 'homecoming' rush, traveling from urban centers like Tokyo back to their jikka in the countryside.

今度の週末、久しぶりに実家に帰る予定です。
(I plan to return to my parents' home for the first time in a while this coming weekend.)

Understanding jikka also requires understanding what it is not. It is not your 'hometown' (that would be furusato or kyodo), though they often overlap. It is specifically the structure and the family unit residing within it. For many Japanese adults, the jikka is a place where they can revert to being a child, enjoying 'jikka-meshi' (home-cooked meals by mom) and escaping the rigors of corporate life. However, it can also be a source of stress, particularly regarding 'akiya' (abandoned house) issues when parents pass away and the children are left to manage a property in a declining rural area. The word is ubiquitous in daily conversation, appearing in contexts ranging from casual chats about weekend plans to serious discussions about inheritance and elderly care.

Furthermore, the word jikka is used across all social strata. Whether you are a college student living in a dormitory or a CEO with a mansion, your jikka remains the place where your roots lie. It is often used in the phrase '実家暮らし' (jikka-gurashi), which refers to adults who continue to live with their parents. While in some Western cultures this might carry a slight stigma, in Japan, it is a common and practical arrangement, especially in expensive cities, though the 'parasite single' trope has been discussed in sociological contexts.

彼はまだ実家から通勤しています。
(He is still commuting from his parents' home.)

In summary, jikka is more than just a house; it is a psychological anchor. It represents the transition from childhood to adulthood and the ongoing connection to one's past. When a Japanese person says they are 'going home,' they usually specify whether they are going to their current residence (uchi) or their jikka. This linguistic distinction highlights the dual identity many Japanese people hold: the independent adult and the member of an ancestral family line.

Nuance: Jikka vs. Jitaku: Jitaku (自宅) refers to the home you currently own or live in as an independent adult. Jikka (実家) is always the parental home. You 'return' (kaeru) to both, but the feeling is different.

私の実家は北海道にあります。
(My parents' home is in Hokkaido.)

Using 実家 (jikka) correctly involves understanding the verbs and particles that naturally pair with it. Since it is a location, it most frequently takes the particles に (ni), で (de), and から (kara). The most common verb associated with jikka is kaeru (to return). This highlights the cyclical nature of the relationship with one's parental home. You don't just 'go' to your jikka; you 'return' to it, implying that it is a place where you belong.

Common Verb Pairings

帰る (kaeru): To return to one's parents' home.
出る (deru): To move out of one's parents' home (literally 'to leave').
頼る (tayoru): To rely on one's parents' home (often for financial or childcare support).
離れる (hanareru): To live away from one's parents' home.

大学を卒業して、実家を出ました。
(I graduated from university and moved out of my parents' home.)

When describing the location of the home, the pattern [Place] に実家がある is standard. For example, '東京に実家がある' (My parents' home is in Tokyo). If you are talking about someone else's parents' home, you should add the polite prefix ご (go), making it ご実家 (go-jikka). This is a crucial social distinction; failing to use the 'go' prefix when speaking to a superior or someone you aren't close to can sound overly familiar or slightly rude.

Another frequent usage is in the context of staying or living. 実家に泊まる (jikka ni tomaru) means to stay overnight at your parents' house, while 実家暮らし (jikka-gurashi) is the noun phrase for the act of living with one's parents as an adult. Interestingly, jikka is also used in legal and formal contexts regarding family registries (koseki). Even after marriage, when a person enters a new registry, their original family home is still referred to as their jikka.

お正月は実家でゆっくり過ごしました。
(I spent New Year's relaxing at my parents' home.)

We also see jikka used in more abstract ways. For instance, 実家のような安心感 (jikka no you na anshinkan) means 'a sense of security like being at one's parents' home.' This phrase is often used to describe cozy cafes, old-fashioned inns, or even certain types of comfort food. It implies a place where you don't have to put on appearances and can truly be yourself.

Sentence Structure Examples

Possession: 私の実家 (My parents' home)
Direction: 実家へ送る (Send something to the parents' home)
Origin: 実家からの贈り物 (A gift from the parents' home)

彼女は実家の家業を手伝っています。
(She is helping with her family's business.)

You will encounter 実家 (jikka) in almost every facet of Japanese life, but it becomes particularly prominent during specific times of the year and life stages. In the workplace, jikka is a standard topic of small talk. Coworkers might ask about your jikka to learn about your background or to understand why you might be taking time off during the holidays. It is a 'safe' topic that helps build rapport without being overly intrusive into one's current private life.

Seasonal Contexts: During the O-Bon season in August and the O-Shogatsu (New Year) period, the word is everywhere. News reports discuss the 'jikka-kaeri' traffic jams, and television programs often feature celebrities visiting their jikka for emotional reunions.

「今年の夏休みは実家に帰るの？」
('Are you going back to your parents' home this summer vacation?')

In the realm of media and entertainment, jikka is a powerful narrative tool. In anime and manga, the protagonist's jikka is often the setting for flashback scenes or a place where the hero goes to recover after a defeat. It represents their origin story. In variety shows, there is a popular sub-genre where cameras follow people back to their jikka to see their 'roots,' often revealing humble beginnings or heartwarming family dynamics. The contrast between a person's polished city life and their rustic jikka provides great entertainment value.

Socially, the word is also tied to the 'U-turn' and 'I-turn' phenomena. A 'U-turn' is when someone from a rural area goes to the city for work but eventually returns to their jikka to live and work. This is a significant demographic trend in Japan as the government tries to revitalize rural areas. You will hear jikka in discussions about caring for elderly parents (kaigo). People often debate whether to move their parents to a facility or to move back to the jikka to provide care themselves.

父の体調が悪いので、しばらく実家に戻ります。
(My father is not feeling well, so I'm going back to my parents' home for a while.)

In recent years, the 'Akiya' (vacant house) problem has brought jikka into the news in a more somber light. Many young people living in cities inherit their jikka but cannot afford the taxes or maintenance, leading to an increase in abandoned parental homes. This has sparked a whole industry of 'jikka-katazuke' (cleaning out the parental home), where professional services help children sort through decades of their parents' belongings. This process is often portrayed in documentaries as a deeply emotional journey of saying goodbye to one's past.

Professional Contexts: Real estate agents, tax accountants, and lawyers frequently use jikka when discussing inheritance (sozoku) and property management. It is a formal yet deeply personal term in these settings.

For English speakers learning Japanese, the most common mistake is using 実家 (jikka) to refer to their own current home where they live with their spouse and children. In English, 'home' is a broad term, but in Japanese, once you have established your own independent household, that house is your jitaku (自宅) or uchi (家). You should only use jikka when referring back to the house of your parents or the house where you grew up. Using jikka for your current residence will confuse Japanese listeners, as they will think you are still living with your parents.

Mistake 1: Referring to your own house: Wrong: 「私の実家に遊びに来てください。」 (Come over to my [parents'] house.) - unless you actually live with them.
Right: 「私の家に遊びに来てください。」 (Come over to my house.)

× 私は昨日、自分の実家を掃除しました。
(Mistakenly saying you cleaned your parents' house when you meant your own apartment.)

Another frequent error is the omission of the polite prefix go- when talking about someone else's parents' home. In Japanese social etiquette, referring to someone else's family or possessions requires 'beautification' (bikago) or honorifics. Saying 'Tanaka-san no jikka' is grammatically correct but can sound slightly blunt or cold. Using 'Tanaka-san no go-jikka' adds a layer of respect that is expected in adult conversation.

There is also a confusion between jikka and furusato (hometown). While your jikka is almost always in your furusato, they are not interchangeable. Furusato refers to the city, town, or region as a whole—the place where you have emotional roots. Jikka is specifically the building and the immediate family unit. You can say 'I love my furusato,' but you wouldn't usually say 'I love my jikka' in the same broad, nostalgic sense; you would say 'I love being at my jikka.'

Mistake 2: Confusing Jikka with Furusato: Wrong: 「私の実家は京都という町です。」 (My parents' home is a town called Kyoto.) - This sounds like your parents own the whole town.
Right: 「私の実家は京都にあります。」 (My parents' home is in Kyoto.)

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the particle usage. When you are going to your parents' house, use ni or e. When you are doing something at the house, use de. A common mistake is saying 'jikka ni asobu' (play to parents' house) instead of 'jikka de asobu' (play at parents' house). While this is a general particle rule, the frequency of the word jikka makes this error particularly noticeable.

× 実家に夕食を食べました。
(Incorrect particle: should be 'de' for the location of the action.)

While 実家 (jikka) is the most common and versatile term, several other words share overlapping meanings or are used in specific contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to choose the most appropriate word for the situation.

1. 生家 (Seika): This literally means 'the house where one was born.' While jikka is where your parents live now (even if they moved there after you were born), seika is specifically the birthplace. It is often used in biographies of famous people (e.g., 'The seika of Natsume Soseki').
2. 本家 (Honke): In the traditional Japanese family system, the honke is the 'main house' or the head of the family line. If you come from a branch family (bunke), your jikka is your parents' house, but the honke is where the head of the extended clan lives.
3. 里 (Sato): A more poetic and old-fashioned term for one's parents' home, especially used by a married woman referring to her original family home. The phrase '里帰り' (satogaeri) originally meant a bride returning to her parents' home for the first time after marriage, but now it is used generally for anyone returning home.

彼は生家を訪ねて、子供時代を懐かしんだ。
(He visited the house where he was born and felt nostalgic for his childhood.)

Another important comparison is with kyodo (郷土) and furusato (故郷). These terms refer to the broader geographical area. If someone asks 'Where is your hometown?' you would answer with the name of the prefecture or city. If they ask 'Where is your jikka?', they are asking specifically about the family residence. In casual conversation, people might use jikka as a shorthand for the location: 'My jikka is in Osaka' is a very common way to say you are from Osaka.

In very formal or written contexts, you might see fubo no ie (父母の家 - parents' house) or kazoku no sumai (家族の住まい - family residence), but these are descriptive and lack the inherent cultural meaning of jikka. There is also the term moto-no-ie (元の家 - the original house), but this usually refers to a previous residence rather than a parental one. For those who have lost their parents, the term kyu-taku (旧宅 - former residence) might be used to refer to the old family home that no longer houses the parents.

Comparison Table

実家 (Jikka): Everyday term for parents' home.
故郷 (Furusato): Emotional term for hometown/region.
自宅 (Jitaku): Formal term for one's own current home.
生家 (Seika): Precise term for the house of birth.

妻の里は、有名な温泉地にあります。
(My wife's family home is in a famous hot spring area.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 実 also appears in 'jitsu wa' (actually), suggesting that the 'jikka' is the 'actual' home compared to temporary residences.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʒɪk.kə/

US /ˈdʒɪk.kə/

The stress is relatively flat in Japanese (pitch accent), but in English loanword usage, the first syllable is often slightly emphasized.

Rhymes With

Bikka (rare) Nikka (Japanese whiskey brand) Hikka (hiccup-like sound) Rikka (a style of flower arrangement) Kikka (chrysanthemum flower) Shikka (failure/mistake) Tekka (iron flower/gambling) Gekka (under the moon)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'jika' without the double 'k' sound. The stop between 'ji' and 'ka' is crucial.
Confusing the pitch accent, making it sound like 'jika' (under/below).
Pronouncing 'ji' like the English word 'gee'. In Japanese, it's shorter.
Stretching the 'a' at the end too long.
Failing to pronounce the 'k' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are relatively simple and taught early (N4/N5 level).

Writing 3/5

Writing '実' requires attention to the stroke order and the top part.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in daily conversation.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound that is easy to catch in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

家 (Ie/Uchi) 両親 (Ryoushin) 帰る (Kaeru) 住む (Sumu) 出る (Deru)

Learn Next

故郷 (Furusato) 自宅 (Jitaku) 帰省 (Kisei) 相続 (Souzoku) 世帯 (Setai)

Advanced

家督 (Katoku) 戸籍 (Koseki) 空き家 (Akiya) 仏壇 (Butsudan) 法事 (Houji)

Grammar to Know

Particle 'Ni' for Destination

実家に行く。

Particle 'De' for Location of Action

実家で寝る。

Polite Prefix 'Go-'

ご実家はどちらですか？

Compound Noun Formation

実家暮らし

Simile with 'No you na'

実家のような安心感

Examples by Level

実家に帰ります。

I am going back to my parents' home.

Uses the particle 'ni' to show destination and 'kaeru' for returning.

実家は東京です。

My parents' home is in Tokyo.

Simple A wa B desu structure.

実家でごはんを食べます。

I eat a meal at my parents' home.

Uses 'de' to indicate the location of the action.

実家にお母さんがいます。

My mother is at my parents' home.

Uses 'ni' with the verb 'iru' (to exist/be).

実家から来ました。

I came from my parents' home.

Uses 'kara' to show the point of origin.

私の実家は古いです。

My parents' home is old.

Adjective 'furui' modifying the noun 'jikka'.

実家へ行きますか？

Are you going to your parents' home?

Question form using the particle 'e' for direction.

実家はきれいです。

My parents' home is beautiful/clean.

Na-adjective 'kirei' used as a predicate.

週末は実家に泊まります。

I will stay at my parents' home this weekend.

Verb 'tomaru' (to stay overnight) often pairs with 'jikka'.

ご実家はどちらですか？

Where is your parents' home?

Uses the polite prefix 'go-' and the polite question 'dochira'.

実家から野菜が届きました。

Vegetables arrived from my parents' home.

Shows the common practice of parents sending food to children in the city.

兄は今も実家に住んでいます。

My older brother still lives at my parents' home.

Uses 'sunde imasu' to describe a continuous state of living.

実家の犬に会いたいです。

I want to see the dog at my parents' home.

The 'tai' form expresses desire.

実家は駅から遠いです。

My parents' home is far from the station.

Uses 'kara' to show distance from a point.

来月、実家に帰るつもりです。

I intend to go back to my parents' home next month.

Uses 'tsumori' to express intention.

実家の近くに公園があります。

There is a park near my parents' home.

Uses 'no chikaku ni' to show proximity.

お金を貯めるために、実家で暮らしています。

I am living at my parents' home in order to save money.

Uses 'tame ni' to show purpose.

実家を出てから、もう五年になります。

It has already been five years since I moved out of my parents' home.

Uses 'te kara' to indicate time since an action.

仕事が忙しくて、なかなか実家に帰れません。

I'm so busy with work that I can't easily go back to my parents' home.

Potential form 'kaerenai' with 'nakanaka' to show difficulty.

実家に帰ると、いつも食べすぎてしまいます。

Whenever I go back to my parents' home, I always end up overeating.

Uses 'te shimau' to show an unintentional or regrettable action.

実家の両親は二人とも元気です。

Both of my parents at the family home are doing well.

Uses 'futari tomo' to mean 'both'.

お盆休みは実家でゆっくりするつもりです。

I plan to take it easy at my parents' home during the Obon holiday.

Specific cultural reference to 'Obon'.

実家の手伝いをするために帰省します。

I will return home to help out at my parents' house.

Uses the formal term 'kisei' for returning home.

実家のような安心感があるカフェですね。

This cafe has a sense of security just like being at one's parents' home.

Uses 'no you na' for a simile.

結婚してからも、よく実家に顔を出しています。

Even after getting married, I often drop by my parents' home.

Uses 'kao o dasu' (idiom: to drop by/show one's face).

実家が農家なので、毎年お米を送ってくれます。

Since my parents' home is a farm, they send me rice every year.

Uses 'node' to show a reason.

将来、実家を継ぐかどうか悩んでいます。

I am worried about whether or not I should take over the family home/business in the future.

Uses 'ka dou ka' for 'whether or not'.

実家が空き家にならないように、管理が必要です。

Management is necessary so that the parents' home doesn't become an abandoned house.

Uses 'you ni' to show a goal/prevention.

都会の生活に疲れて、実家にUターンしました。

Tired of city life, I did a 'U-turn' back to my parents' home.

Uses the loanword 'U-turn' as a verb.

実家の建て替えについて、家族で話し合いました。

The family discussed rebuilding the parents' home.

Uses 'nitsuite' to mean 'about'.

実家に帰ると、子供の頃の思い出が蘇ります。

Returning to my parents' home brings back childhood memories.

Uses 'yomigaeru' (to be resurrected/brought back).

彼女は実家が太いので、生活に余裕がある。

Her parents' home is 'thick' (rich), so she has a comfortable lifestyle.

Slang/Idiom: 'jikka ga futoi' means coming from a wealthy family.

実家の片付けは、精神的にも肉体的にも重労働だ。

Cleaning out one's parents' home is heavy labor, both mentally and physically.

Uses 'mo... mo...' for 'both... and...'.

少子高齢化の影響で、実家を維持するのが難しくなっている。

Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, maintaining the parental home is becoming difficult.

Formal sociological vocabulary.

実家の相続放棄を検討している人も少なくない。

Not a few people are considering renouncing the inheritance of their parents' home.

Double negative 'sukunaku nai' for emphasis.

彼は実家の家業を再興させるために、MBAを取得した。

He obtained an MBA in order to revive his family's business at the parental home.

High-level goal-oriented sentence.

実家に残された膨大な遺品の整理に途方に暮れている。

I am at a loss as to how to organize the vast amount of mementos left in my parents' home.

Idiom 'tohou ni kureru' (to be at a loss).

実家の土地の境界線をめぐって、隣人とトラブルになった。

A trouble arose with a neighbor over the boundary line of the parents' home's land.

Uses 'o megutte' (concerning/over).

実家という場所は、個人のアイデンティティ形成に深く関わっている。

The place known as 'jikka' is deeply involved in the formation of an individual's identity.

Abstract philosophical statement.

実家の仏壇に手を合わせると、心が落ち着く。

My heart feels at peace when I pray at the Buddhist altar in my parents' home.

Reference to 'butsudan' (Buddhist altar), a core part of the jikka.

日本の家制度の名残は、現代の「実家」という言葉の響きに色濃く残っている。

The remnants of the Japanese 'ie' system remain strongly in the nuance of the modern word 'jikka'.

Academic analysis of linguistic nuance.

実家の資産価値が下落する中で、負動産としての側面がクローズアップされている。

As the asset value of parental homes declines, their aspect as 'negative real estate' is being highlighted.

Uses the pun 'fudosan' (negative property vs real estate).

都心回帰の流れに反して、実家への拠点を移す多拠点生活者も増えている。

Contrary to the trend of returning to city centers, the number of multi-base dwellers moving their base to their parents' home is increasing.

Complex societal trend description.

実家の「敷居が高い」と感じるようになり、疎遠になってしまった。

I began to feel that the 'threshold was high' (awkward to visit) for my parents' home, and we became estranged.

Uses the idiom 'shikii ga takai'.

実家というサンクチュアリが消失したとき、人は真の自立を迫られるのかもしれない。

When the sanctuary of the parental home disappears, people may be forced to achieve true independence.

Existential philosophical reflection.

実家における家父長制的な空気感に耐えられず、若者は都会へ流出する。

Unable to bear the patriarchal atmosphere in their parents' homes, young people flee to the cities.

Critical social commentary.

実家のリノベーションを通じて、世代間の価値観の相違が浮き彫りになった。

Through the renovation of the parental home, the differences in values between generations were brought into sharp relief.

Uses 'ukibori ni naru' (to be highlighted/brought into relief).

実家の存在は、現代日本人にとっての「帰属意識」の最後の砦とも言える。

The existence of the 'jikka' can be called the last bastion of the 'sense of belonging' for modern Japanese people.

Metaphorical and cultural conclusion.

Common Collocations

実家に帰る

実家を出る

実家暮らし

実家に頼る

実家を継ぐ

実家の片付け

実家が太い

実家を離れる

実家の両親

実家に泊まる

Common Phrases

実家のような安心感

— A sense of security like being at one's parents' home. Used for cozy places.

この旅館は実家のような安心感がある。

実家が農家

— One's parents' home is a farm. Often used when sharing food from home.

実家が農家なので、野菜は買いません。

実家を売る

— To sell the parents' home. A serious topic regarding inheritance.

両親が亡くなった後、実家を売った。

実家への手土産

— A souvenir or gift for the parents' home. A cultural custom.

実家への手土産を買いにデパートへ行く。

実家の味

— The taste of home cooking from one's parents' house.

この味噌汁は実家の味がする。

実家が近い

— One's parents' home is nearby. Often a reason for frequent visits.

実家が近いので、よく子供を預ける。

実家が遠い

— One's parents' home is far away. Often a reason for infrequent visits.

実家が遠いので、一年に一度しか帰れない。

実家からの仕送り

— An allowance or supplies sent from one's parents' home.

実家からの仕送りで生活している。

実家の家業

— The family business run at the parents' home.

実家の家業を手伝うことにした。

実家の犬

— The dog kept at the parents' home. A common topic of affection.

実家の犬に会いに行くのが楽しみだ。

Often Confused With

実家 vs 自宅 (Jitaku)

Jitaku is your own home; Jikka is your parents' home. Don't mix them up if you live independently.

実家 vs 故郷 (Furusato)

Furusato is the whole town/area; Jikka is the specific house.

実家 vs 家 (Ie/Uchi)

Ie/Uchi is generic; Jikka is specifically parental.

Idioms & Expressions

"実家が太い"

— To come from a wealthy or influential family background.

彼は実家が太いから、お金に困ったことがない。

Slang/Colloquial

"敷居が高い"

— To feel awkward or hesitant to visit someone's house (often used for jikka after a long absence).

喧嘩をしてから、実家の敷居が高くなってしまった。

Neutral

"里帰り出産"

— Returning to one's parents' home to give birth and recover.

彼女は今、里帰り出産のために実家に帰っている。

Neutral

"脛をかじる"

— To be financially dependent on one's parents (literally 'gnawing on the shins').

いつまでも実家で親の脛をかじっていてはいけない。

Informal

"パラサイト・シングル"

— An adult who lives with their parents to enjoy a carefree, supported life.

彼は典型的なパラサイト・シングルで、ずっと実家にいる。

Sociological/Slightly Negative

"Uターン就職"

— Finding a job in one's hometown and moving back to the jikka after university.

都会での生活をやめて、Uターン就職で実家に戻った。

Business/Neutral

"実家のような..."

— Used as a metaphor for extreme comfort and lack of pretense.

この居酒屋は実家のような居心地の良さだ。

Colloquial

"実家の太鼓判"

— Having the full support or guarantee of one's family/background.

彼は実家の太鼓判付きの優等生だ。

Idiomatic

"空き家問題"

— The social issue of abandoned parental homes in aging Japan.

実家が空き家問題の対象になってしまった。

Formal/News

"実家便"

— A care package sent from parents to their child living away.

今日、実家便で美味しいリンゴが届いた。

Colloquial

Easily Confused

実家 vs 生家 (Seika)

Both refer to origin homes.

Seika is the house of birth; Jikka is where parents live now.

実家は引っ越したが、生家はまだそこにある。

実家 vs 本家 (Honke)

Both involve family lines.

Honke is the 'head' house of a clan; Jikka is just your parents'.

実家は分家だが、本家は隣町にある。

実家 vs 里 (Sato)

Both mean parental home.

Sato is poetic/feminine; Jikka is neutral/everyday.

里帰りをする。

実家 vs 郷里 (Kyouri)

Both mean hometown/home.

Kyouri is formal/literary; Jikka is conversational.

郷里の友人に会う。

実家 vs 旧宅 (Kyuutaku)

Both refer to past houses.

Kyuutaku is a former residence (maybe no one lives there); Jikka is active.

実家を壊して、旧宅の跡地にした。

Sentence Patterns

実家は [Place] です。

実家は大阪です。

実家に [Verb-masu] に帰ります。

実家に遊びに帰ります。

[Reason] ので、実家にいます。

休みなので、実家にいます。

実家を [Verb-condition] なら、...

実家を出るなら、自炊しなければならない。

実家の [Noun] をめぐって...

実家の相続をめぐって話し合う。

ご実家は [Place] ですか？

ご実家は九州ですか？

実家で [Noun] が [Verb-passive]。

実家で犬が飼われています。

実家からの [Noun]。

実家からの贈り物。

Word Family

Nouns

実家 (Jikka - Parents' home)

ご実家 (Go-jikka - Someone else's parents' home)

実家暮らし (Jikka-gurashi - Living with parents)

Verbs

実家に帰る (Jikka ni kaeru - To return to parents' home)

実家を出る (Jikka o deru - To leave/move out of parents' home)

両親 (Ryoushin - Parents)

家族 (Kazoku - Family)

故郷 (Furusato - Hometown)

自宅 (Jitaku - One's own home)

家業 (Kagyou - Family business)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially around holidays.

Common Mistakes

Using 'jikka' for your own house when you live alone. → Use 'uchi' or 'jitaku'.
Jikka specifically implies the parental home you came from.
Omitting 'go-' when talking to a boss about their home. → Use 'go-jikka'.
Honorifics are required for family-related items of superiors.
Saying 'jikka ni asobu'. → Say 'jikka de asobu'.
Actions happening inside a location use 'de', not 'ni'.
Confusing 'jikka' with 'furusato'. → Use 'jikka' for the house, 'furusato' for the town.
They are related but have different scopes of meaning.
Using 'jikka' to refer to a friend's apartment. → Use 'apato' or '[Name]-san no uchi'.
Jikka is only for the parental home, not any house.

Tips

Learn with 'Kaeru'

Always pair 'jikka' with 'kaeru' in your mind. It reinforces the idea of returning to roots.

Gift Giving

If you mention going to your 'jikka', people might ask what 'omiyage' (souvenir) you are bringing back. Be prepared to talk about regional foods.

The 'Go-' Prefix

Never forget the 'go-' when asking about someone else's parents' home. It's a small change that makes a big difference in politeness.

Safe Topic

Asking 'Go-jikka wa dochira desu ka?' is a perfect, safe icebreaker in Japan.

Kanji Meaning

The kanji 実 also means 'fruit'. Think of the jikka as the tree that produced the fruit (you).

Koseki Connection

In formal documents, 'jikka' is often linked to your 'honseki' (registered domicile).

Variety Shows

Watch Japanese variety shows like 'Ariyoshi Zenryaku' where they often visit stars' jikka. Great for natural listening.

Jikka-gurashi

Use this term to describe your living situation if you are staying with parents; it's more common than saying 'I live with my parents'.

Jikka vs Jitaku

Remember: Jikka = Past/Parents, Jitaku = Present/Me.

Jikka - Just Keep Kids Always

A simple English acronym to remember that it's the place that keeps the kids' memories.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jikka' as the 'Jig' (dance) you do when you are happy to be back at your 'Ka' (casa/house). Or: 'JI' (Just) 'KKA' (Kind) Parents' House.

Visual Association

Imagine a traditional Japanese house with a 'Welcome Home' sign and a bowl of steaming rice inside. That is the essence of jikka.

Word Web

Family Parents Hometown Nostalgia New Year Inheritance Home-cooking Roots

Challenge

Try to use 'jikka' in a sentence describing where you would go if you had a one-week holiday right now.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji: 実 (jitsu) and 家 (ka). 実 historically means 'truth', 'reality', or 'fruit/seed'. 家 means 'house' or 'family'.

Original meaning: The 'true house' or the 'original house'. In the context of the traditional Japanese family system (ie), it designated the primary house of origin.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing 'jikka' with people whose parents have passed away or who are estranged from their families, as it can be a painful topic.

In English, we say 'my parents' place' or 'my childhood home'. 'Jikka' covers both but feels more like a single, solid entity.

The movie 'Still Walking' (Aruitemo Aruitemo) by Hirokazu Kore-eda revolves entirely around a family gathering at the jikka. Many 'Isekai' anime start with the protagonist leaving their jikka or longing to return to it. The song 'Furusato' is often sung with the image of one's jikka in mind.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Holiday Planning

実家に帰るの？
実家で何する？
実家のお土産
いつまで実家にいる？

Moving/Housing

実家を出たい
実家に戻る
実家暮らしは楽だ
実家が空いている

Small Talk

ご実家はどこ？
実家は農家なんです
実家に犬がいます
実家が恋しい

Family Business

実家の仕事
実家を継ぐ
実家の手伝い
実家の会社

Inheritance/Aging

実家の片付け
実家の管理
実家の売却
実家をどうする？

Conversation Starters

"ご実家はどちらの方ですか？ (Whereabouts is your parents' home?)"

"お正月は実家に帰られるんですか？ (Are you going back to your parents' home for New Year's?)"

"実家に帰ると、いつも何を食べていますか？ (What do you usually eat when you go back to your parents' home?)"

"実家でペットを飼っていますか？ (Do you have any pets at your parents' home?)"

"実家から何か美味しいものが届きましたか？ (Did anything delicious arrive from your parents' home?)"

Journal Prompts

実家に帰ったとき、一番落ち着く場所はどこですか？ (Where is the place you feel most at peace when you return to your parents' home?)

あなたにとって「実家の味」といえば何ですか？ (What is 'the taste of home' for you regarding your parents' house?)

もし実家をリフォームするなら、どこを変えたいですか？ (If you were to renovate your parents' home, what would you change?)

実家を出たときのことを覚えていますか？ (Do you remember when you moved out of your parents' home?)

将来、自分の子供にとっての「実家」をどんな場所にしたいですか？ (What kind of place do you want your own home to be for your children as their 'jikka' in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically no, that would be 'sofu-bo no ie'. However, if your parents live there too, then it is your 'jikka'. If you grew up there, you might call it your 'jikka'.

You might have two 'jikka', but usually, people refer to the one they grew up in or the one where the parent they are closer to lives. You can specify 'chichi-kata no jikka' (father's side) or 'haha-kata no jikka' (mother's side).

Yes, 'jikka' refers to the home regardless of the building type (house, mansion, apartment).

Yes, but it's more common to just say 'uchi' (my house). You use 'jikka' specifically to distinguish it from other places or to emphasize the parental aspect.

To a boss, say 'Jikka ni kisei itashimasu' (I will return to my parents' home).

It's a slangy, affectionate term for the home-cooked meals your parents (usually mother) make when you visit.

Only in personal small talk or if the business is a family-run 'kagyou' based in the home.

Because of the strong tradition of ancestor worship and the historical importance of the family line (ie).

It means becoming independent from one's parents, both financially and residentially.

Yes! If you are an expat in Japan, your home in your home country is your 'jikka'.