Meaning and Usage
The kanji 宅 (たく) primarily means "house" or "home." It is often used in formal or written contexts to refer to someone's residence.
Common Contexts
- 宅 is frequently seen in compound words like 宅配 (たくはい, home delivery) and 宅急便 (たっきゅうびん, express home delivery service).
- It can also be used politely to refer to someone's home, especially in phrases like 友達の宅 (friend's home).
Collocations and Patterns
- 宅配便 (たくはいびん): home delivery service
- 自宅 (じたく): one's own home
- 宅急便 (たっきゅうびん): express home delivery
Register and Nuance
Using 宅 instead of 家 (いえ) or 家 (うち) adds a slightly more formal or respectful tone when referring to a residence. It is common in business or polite conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 宅 with 家. Remember that 宅 is more formal and often used in compound words or polite references, while 家 is more general and casual for "house" or "home."