一家

• Reading: いっか
• Romaji: ikka
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi/it) — one; 家 (ka/ie) — house, family
• Pronunciation: /ik.ka/

Meaning

Family; household; clan. A whole family or household living together.

A noun referring to an entire family unit. Used in phrases like 一家全員 (the whole family), 一家団欒 (family gathered together), and 一家の主 (head of the household). Can also mean 'an authority in a field' as in 一家を成す (to establish oneself as an authority). The double consonant っ is important for correct pronunciation.

Examples

1. 一家で温泉旅行に行った。 The whole family went on a trip to a hot spring.
2. 彼は料理の世界で一家を成した。 He established himself as an authority in the world of cooking.
3. 一家全員がそろうのは正月だけだ。 New Year's is the only time the whole family gets together.

Usage Guide

Context: family life, news, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 一 (one) and 家 (house, family). Literally 'one house,' meaning all the people under one roof.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal