1.
main family, head family, parent house
The main or senior branch of a family, as opposed to branch families. In traditional Japanese kinship, the eldest son's line forms the main house, while younger sons establish branch houses.
2.
originator, original, the real thing
The original or authentic source of something, as opposed to imitators or derivatives. Used colloquially to claim authenticity — e.g., 'the original ramen shop' or 'the birthplace of a certain dish.'
Usage
Sense 1: In traditional Japanese family structure, the 本家 is the main household of a family line (typically the eldest son's house), while branch households are called 分家. The main family often keeps the family altar and is the center of family gatherings.
Sense 2: In everyday usage, 本家 often means "the original" or "the authentic one," especially for restaurants, recipes, or cultural practices. The emphatic form 本家本元 (the true original) reinforces authenticity.
Common collocations
Related Words
Compare:
実家 (parents' home, family home)
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元祖 (originator, founder, pioneer)
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分家 (branch family)
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宗家 (head family)