Japanese Conversation · Level 77
76 words
Japanese word
本家
Pronunciation
Romajihonke
Meaning
- nounhead family
Example
親戚は本家に集まります。shin seki wa hon ke ni atsu ma ri ma su
The relatives gather at the head family's home.
More examples
この村では、本家が祭りの準備を取りまとめます。ko no mura de wa hon ke ga matsu ri no jun bi o to ri ma to me ma su
In this village, the head family organizes the festival preparations.
Core concept
Refers to the main household in a kinship line, contrasted with families that branch off from it.
Common phrases
本家の跡取りhon ke no ato to ri
heir to the head family's household
本家の当主hon ke no tō shu
head of the main family
Similar words
宗家sōke: The leading household in a traditional family lineage, often carrying its name and customs.
Definition in Japanese
分家に対して、家系のもととなる家。bun ke ni tai shi te ka kei no mo to to na ru ie
Word origin
本家 (honke) is made from 本 (hon, "main" or "original") and 家 (ke, "house" or "family"), so its parts point to the main family household.
Usage tips
- In English, head family is an uncommon expression, while 本家 (honke) specifically identifies the main household in relation to its branch families.
Other meanings
- main branchnoun
Opposites
- 分家bunkebranch familynoun