noun
main branch of a family
Refers to the primary lineage or head family in a traditional family structure. This sense is rare and mostly historical; modern Japanese typically uses 本家 (ほんけ) for this meaning.
彼は本統の跡取りとして育てられた。
He was raised as the heir of the main family branch.
noun
This is the same word as 本当 (ほんとう), meaning 'truth' or 'reality'. The spelling 本統 is an uncommon variant for this sense; 本当 is the standard form.
See also: 本当
本統のことを言ってください。
Please tell me the truth.
The standard spelling for 'truth' and 'reality'. 本統 is a rare variant that may be encountered in older writing or specific contexts.
The common modern word for 'main branch of a family'. 本統 in this sense is rare and largely replaced by 本家.
The spelling 本統 is a variant of 本当, using 統 (lineage) instead of 当 (correct). The reading ほんとう is shared. The 'main family branch' sense likely arose from the 統 character, but this usage is now rare.