屋敷

• Reading: やしき
• Romaji: yashiki
• Kanji breakdown: 屋 (ya) — house, roof; 敷 (shiki) — spread, grounds
• Pronunciation: /ja.ɕi.ki/

Meaning

Residence; estate; mansion; grounds. A large house or premises, often of a wealthy or prominent family.

A noun referring to a large residence with grounds, typically associated with wealthy families, samurai, or historical estates. In modern usage, often evokes grand or old-fashioned dwellings. Appears in compounds like お化け屋敷 (haunted house), 武家屋敷 (samurai residence), and 屋敷跡 (former estate site). Can also refer to a plot of land with a dwelling.

Examples

1. あの古い屋敷は江戸時代からあるそうだ。 That old mansion is said to have been around since the Edo period.
2. 子供たちはお化け屋敷に入るのを怖がった。 The children were scared to go into the haunted house.
3. 祖父の屋敷は広い庭に囲まれていた。 My grandfather's estate was surrounded by a large garden.

Usage Guide

Context: history, real estate, literature, entertainment

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

From 屋 (ya, house/roof) + 敷 (shiki, to spread out/grounds). Originally referred to the grounds or plot on which a building stood, then expanded to mean the entire estate including the residence. Historically used for samurai and noble residences.

Cultural Context

Era: Feudal

Generation: All ages

Social background: Upper class historically