Meaning and Usage
"一家" (いっか) refers to a family or household, often implying the entire family unit or clan. It is commonly used to talk about one's family background, household members, or family-run businesses.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used when discussing family lineage, family trips, or family businesses. It carries a slightly formal tone and is often found in written and spoken Japanese when emphasizing the family as a whole.
Collocations and Patterns
- 一家で (いっかで): "as a family" or "the whole family"; used when describing activities involving all family members.
- 一家に生まれる (いっかにうまれる): "to be born into a family"; used to indicate family background.
- 一家を経営する (いっかをけいえいする): "to run/manage a family business"; common in business contexts.
Usage Tips
When using "一家," the speaker often implies the entire family unit rather than just immediate family members. It is more formal than simply saying "家族" (かぞく). Avoid confusing "一家" with "一家団欒" (いっかだんらん), which specifically means "family gathering" or "family harmony."