Meaning and Usage
The suffix ～家 (～か) is attached to nouns to indicate a person who is specialized or professionally engaged in the field described by the noun. It often corresponds to English words ending in "-ist," "-er," or "-ian," such as historian (歴史家), writer (作家), or musician (音楽家).
Common Collocations
- 歴史家 (れきしか): historian
- 作家 (さっか): writer, author
- 音楽家 (おんがくか): musician
Nuances and Register
This suffix is generally neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts. It emphasizes expertise or professional identity. When using ～家, the preceding noun is usually a field of study, art, or profession.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse ～家 with ～屋 (や), which also attaches to nouns but usually indicates a shop or seller (e.g., 花屋 for flower shop). Remember that ～家 refers to a person specialized in a field, not a place or business.
Tips for Learners
When you see ～家, think of it as a way to describe someone's profession or expertise. It is very common in everyday conversation and writing when talking about people's occupations or specialties.