Meaning and Usage
"実家" refers specifically to one's parents' home or the family home where one grew up. It is often used when talking about returning to or living at the house where your parents reside.
Common Contexts
People use "実家" when discussing going back home for holidays, visiting family, or living with parents. It implies a sense of origin or family roots.
Collocations and Patterns
- 実家に帰る (go back to one's parents' home): used when visiting or returning home temporarily.
- 実家で暮らす (live at one's parents' home): indicates residing with family.
- 実家の近く (near one's parents' home): used to describe location relative to the family home.
Register and Nuance
"実家" is a neutral term suitable for both casual and formal conversations. It carries emotional warmth as it relates to family and childhood.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "実家" with "自宅" (one's own home). Remember, "実家" specifically means your parents' home, not necessarily where you currently live.