持ち家

• Reading: もちいえ
• Romaji: mochiie
• Kanji breakdown: 持 (mochi) — hold, own, have; 家 (ie) — house, home
• Pronunciation: /mo.tɕi.i.e/

Meaning

One's own house; owner-occupied home. A house that one owns rather than rents.

A noun contrasting with 賃貸 (chintai, rental property). The 持ち家 vs 賃貸 debate is a perennial topic in Japanese personal finance — whether it is better to buy or rent. Japan's housing market has unique characteristics: homes often depreciate in value, and the 持ち家率 (mochiie ritsu, homeownership rate) varies significantly by region. The word is common in financial planning and lifestyle discussions.

Examples

1. 持ち家と賃貸、どちらが得か迷っている。 I can't decide whether it's better to own a home or rent.
2. 三十代で持ち家を手に入れるのが目標だ。 My goal is to own my own home by my thirties.
3. 地方では持ち家率が高い傾向がある。 In rural areas, homeownership rates tend to be higher.

Usage Guide

Context: real estate, personal finance, lifestyle

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Japanese: 持ち (mochi, from 持つ, to hold/own) + 家 (ie, house). Literally 'owned house' — a house in one's possession.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Working age

Social background: Universal