1.
old distinguished family; family of long standing
A family with a long history and social standing in a particular region. Often implies wealth, land ownership, and local influence.
この地域の旧家だ。
They are an old distinguished family of this area.
彼女は代々続く旧家の出身だ。
She comes from an old family that has continued for generations.
この旧家は江戸時代から続く名家で、地元では知らない人がいない。
This old family has continued since the Edo period and is known by everyone in the area.
2.
old family home; historic residence
The physical house or estate belonging to an old, established family.
旧家を訪ねる。
To visit an old family home.
築200年の旧家が文化財に指定された。
The 200-year-old historic residence was designated a cultural property.
庭園が美しい旧家が一般公開されている。
An old residence with a beautiful garden is open to the public.
Composed of 旧 (old, former) + 家 (house, family). Can refer to both the family lineage and the physical residence. In rural Japan, 旧家 families often served as local leaders, large landowners, or village heads.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 旧家の出: from an old family
- 由緒ある旧家: an old family with distinguished origins
- 旧家を守る: to preserve an old family home
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 名家: distinguished family — emphasizes prestige and renown rather than age
- 老舗: long-established shop/business — similar concept of longevity but specifically for businesses
- 古民家: old traditional house — focuses on the architectural style of old Japanese houses; often used for renovated properties
NOTE:
Be careful not to confuse with the homophone 休暇 (vacation, leave). The kanji make the distinction clear in writing.