Mnemonic
What makes a house a house? A roof with a pig underneath! In ancient times, keeping your pig indoors meant you were wealthy enough to own a real house. No pig under the roof, no house!
Additional thoughts
Ancient Chinese families kept pigs inside as a sign of prosperity. Visualize a fat, happy pig lounging beneath a sturdy roof — that image IS the kanji. Wealth and shelter fused into one symbol.Quick recall
A roof over a pig defines a proper house.Details
The keyword for 家 is house. This kanji represents a dwelling place where people live, encompassing the meanings of home, household, and family. It can also refer to a specialist or expert in a particular field, as in someone who has made a domain their "home." The character evokes the fundamental concept of shelter and the family unit that resides within it.
- On'yomi
- か、け
- Kun'yomi
- いえ、や、うち