northern side house
In traditional Japanese residential architecture, a building to the north of the main residence, often used as living quarters for the wife. The term is historical and rarely encountered in modern daily conversation.
See also: 対の屋
In Heian-period aristocratic residences, the northern side house was used as the wife's quarters.
Compound of 北 (north) + の (possessive particle) + 対 (side building). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term follows the naming pattern of traditional Japanese residential architecture.