宅
Meanings
Often used as a somewhat formal or written noun/suffix meaning a person's house or residence, especially after a name or relationship noun. In everyday standalone speech, 家 is usually more natural.
Please deliver the package to the Yamada residence.
I stayed at a friend's house last night.
Used to refer to one's own home, with a somewhat formal or stiff tone. Modern conversation more often uses 自宅, 家, or うち depending on context.
I will be at home today, so please call me there.
Rare and old-fashioned use, typically where a wife refers to her own husband. In modern Japanese, 夫 or 主人 is much more common.
In old-fashioned dialogue, a wife may say, “My husband has not come home yet.”
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉宅someone's residence (attached after a name)
We will deliver the package to Mr. Tanaka's residence.
- 宅にいるto be at home
I'll be home all day today.
- 宅に伺うto visit someone's home (polite)
If tomorrow is convenient for you, I will come visit your home.