家柄
Meanings
family background; lineage; social standing of a family
Refers to a person's family line, parentage, or the social status associated with their family. Often appears in contexts where class, marriage, or family reputation is being discussed, and can sound status-conscious depending on context.
You should not judge people only by their family background.
In that area, there has long been a tendency to value family lineage.
good family; distinguished family background
A positive use, usually in phrases such as 家柄がいい or 家柄のよい, meaning that someone comes from a socially respected or well-established family.
She is known for coming from a good family.
Some parents hope for a marriage partner from a good family.
Usage patterns
- 家柄がいいto be from a good family background
She's known for coming from a distinguished family.
- 家柄が悪いto be from a poor or low family background
Sometimes a marriage is opposed because of a poor family background.
- 家柄を重んじるto place importance on family background
Old samurai families placed great importance on their lineage.
- 家柄を問わないto not care about someone's family background
This company hires people based on ability, regardless of family background.