1.
a distinguished or prestigious family; a household with a long history and high social standing
Refers to a family of long-established prestige — typically one known for its ancestors, social position, or achievements in a particular field (politics, the arts, business, a traditional craft). The word carries a tone of respect and often implies inherited status passed down through generations.
There are several distinguished families in this town that go back to the Edo period.
Refers to a prestigious household with long-standing social standing, often with inherited status or a hereditary role.
Usage
- Often paired with 出 (origin): 名家の出 = "of distinguished family origin."
- Commonly used in historical and biographical writing, and occasionally in everyday speech to describe someone's background.
- Can refer to families distinguished in a specific field, e.g., a 茶道の名家 (renowned tea ceremony family).
Common collocations
- 名家の出: (someone) of distinguished family origin
- 名家の子息: the son of a distinguished family
- 名家に生まれる: to be born into a distinguished family
- 政治の名家: a distinguished political family
- 地元の名家: a prominent local family
Similar words
- 旧家: an old established family — emphasizes length of history more than prestige.
- 名門: prestigious family or institution — also used for schools, clubs, etc.; broader in application than 名家.
- 家柄: family lineage or pedigree — abstract quality, not a family itself.
- 名士: a distinguished person — refers to an individual rather than a family.
Related Words
Compare:
旧家 (an old established family)
Compare:
家柄 (family lineage or pedigree)
Compare:
名士 (a distinguished person)