Translation guide
The English word "home" covers several distinct concepts: one's house or dwelling, one's hometown or native place, a feeling of belonging, and more. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each meaning, and direct translation is often unnatural.
Referring to the physical building where someone lives.
The most common word for house or home as a physical building. Can also refer to one's family or household.
I bought a new home.
I'm going home.
Formal term for one's own home or residence. Often used in official contexts.
I work from home.
A somewhat literary or formal word for dwelling or residence.
His home is in the city center.
Referring to the town or region where one grew up or originally comes from.
The most common word for hometown or native place, often with emotional connotations.
I'm going back home for summer vacation.
Refers to one's local area or hometown, often used when talking about local products, events, or returning home.
Specifically refers to one's parents' home, the family home where one grew up.
Expressing a sense of being at home, comfortable, or belonging somewhere.
Describes a place where one feels comfortable and at ease, like home.
This café feels like home.
To relax as if one were at home.
Loanword from English, used to describe a cozy, homely atmosphere, often for restaurants or events.
It's a restaurant with a homey atmosphere.
Referring to the base or starting point in games like baseball, or a central location.
Referring to the main or starting page of a website or app.
While 家 (いえ) is the most direct translation for a physical house, it can sound unnatural when referring to one's hometown or a sense of belonging. Use the appropriate word for the context.
故郷 (ふるさと) is the emotional hometown, often far away. 地元 (じもと) is the local area you're from or currently in. 実家 (じっか) is specifically your parents' house.
I met a friend from home.
I came back home.
I participated in my hometown festival.
I'm going home to my parents' house for the New Year.
I made myself at home at my friend's place.
He hit a home run.
Add the app to the home screen.