Translation guide
Expresses the idea of a home where one used to live, often with nostalgic or emotional connotations. Japanese offers several words and phrases that differ in nuance, formality, and the type of 'home' referred to.
Referring to the house where one grew up or where one's family lives, often with a sense of nostalgia.
The most common and natural word for one's parents' home or family home. It implies the home where one's family (especially parents) lives, and is used even after one has moved out. Carries a warm, familiar nuance.
年末は実家に帰ります。
I'll go back to my parents' home for the New Year holidays.
実家は田舎にあります。
My family home is in the countryside.
Literally 'the house where I was born'. More specific and emotional than 実家, emphasizing the place of birth. Often used in storytelling or when describing one's roots.
生まれた家はもうありません。
The house where I was born is no longer there.
Hometown or birthplace, but can imply the old home as part of one's native place. More poetic and broader than just the house. Often used in songs and literature.
故郷の家を思い出す。
I remember my old home in my hometown.
Referring to a place where one used to live, not necessarily the childhood home. Could be a previous apartment, house, or city.
A neutral and clear way to say 'the house I used to live in'. Works for any previous residence.
以前住んでいた家が取り壊された。
The house I used to live in was torn down.
Literally 'old house' or 'house from long ago'. Can be used for any former home, but often implies a longer time has passed. Slightly nostalgic.
昔の家の近くを通った。
I passed by my old house.
Formal/literary term for 'former residence'. Used in official contexts or written descriptions, not in everyday conversation.
Expressing a sentimental attachment to a home one no longer lives in, often in a poetic or reflective way.
Means 'dear old home' or 'nostalgic home'. Directly conveys the feeling of fond remembrance. Very natural in emotional contexts.
懐かしい家の夢を見た。
I dreamed of my dear old home.
Literally 'house of memories'. Emphasizes the memories associated with the home. Often used when the house itself is gone or changed.
思い出の家が取り壊されるのは寂しい。
It's sad that the house full of memories is being torn down.
実家 refers specifically to the family home (usually parents' house), while 故郷 is a broader concept of hometown or birthplace. You can have a 故郷 without a 実家 (if your family no longer lives there), but 実家 always implies a current family base.
The English phrase 'old home' can be ambiguous. In Japanese, avoid directly translating 'old' as 古い (furui) unless you mean the building is physically old and dilapidated. Use 昔の or 懐かしい for the nostalgic sense.
The author's former residence is preserved.