Japanese · Daily Life
家
ie / uchi
House / Home
Beginnernoun
Definition
A building used as a home. Read as いえ (ie) for the physical building and うち (uchi) when meaning "my place" or in-group. Used in the phrase お帰り (okaerinasai, welcome home).
Example
家に帰ったらすぐ手を洗います。
When I return home I wash my hands right away.
Etymology
'家' (ie / uchi) has its origins in Old Japanese, where it was used to denote one's residence or home. The kanji '家' signifies both a physical structure and a familial or social unit.
How & Where It’s Used
'家' (ie / uchi) is widely used in various contexts, both formal and informal, to refer to a physical house or the concept of home. It is common in all dialects of Japanese.
Literary Heritage
Utilized in works such as 'The Tale of Genji' where home and familial ties are central themes.