Meaning
The kanji 邸 (てい, やしき) primarily refers to a residence, mansion, estate, or stately home. It typically denotes a large, often imposing, and sometimes official dwelling, implying a certain level of status, grandeur, or importance for its occupant. Unlike the more general terms for 'house' (家 or 宅), 邸 usually suggests a more significant or distinguished abode.
Understanding its etymological roots helps illuminate this meaning. 邸 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left-hand radical, 阝 (こざとへん - kozatohen), is a variant of 邑 (ゆう), meaning 'village' or 'town.' This component frequently appears in kanji related to places, administrative districts, or geographical locations, visually connecting 邸 to a specific locale or area. The right-hand component, 丁 (てい, ちょう), serves as the phonetic element, indicating the 'tei' sound. While 丁 itself can mean 'block,' 'street,' or 'male adult,' in this context, its primary role is to give the kanji its reading. Thus, the combination of 'place' (阝) with the phonetic 'tei' (丁) forms a character that denotes a significant dwelling within a locality. The visual shape strongly ties into the concept of a prominent building situated within a community or district.
The kanji 邸 has 8 strokes. It is not typically taught in the standard elementary school grades; Grade 0 indicates it's outside the regular K-9 curriculum. Instead, 邸 is considered an advanced kanji, corresponding to the JLPT N1 level.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 邸 is テイ (TEI). This reading is highly prevalent and almost exclusively used in compound words. It carries a formal and often official connotation, suitable for terms describing grand or designated residences, such as those for heads of state or prominent figures.
- 邸宅 (teitaku) — mansion, residence. This is one of the most common compounds, referring to a large, luxurious private home.
- 官邸 (kantei) — official residence. This term is used for the residence of high-ranking government officials, most notably the Prime Minister's official residence (首相官邸, shushō kantei).
- 公邸 (kōtei) — public residence; official residence. Similar to 官邸, but can also refer to residences provided by public bodies or organizations.
- 私邸 (shitei) — private residence. This specifically denotes a private home, often implying a large or distinguished one.
- 本邸 (hontei) — main residence. Refers to the primary home in contrast to a secondary residence or villa.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi for 邸 is やしき (yashiki), also meaning 'mansion' or 'estate.' It's important to note, however, that while 邸 can be read as やしき, the kanji combination 屋敷 (also read やしき) is far more common in modern Japanese for this meaning. When 邸 is used alone with the やしき reading, it often carries a slightly more archaic or literary feel, or might appear in proper nouns or specific historical contexts. Therefore, it's less common to see 邸 used by itself to mean 'mansion' compared to its on'yomi compounds.
- 邸 (yashiki) — mansion, estate. While technically a valid reading, it is less common than 屋敷.
- 武家邸 (bukeyashiki) — samurai residence. This term historically refers to the residences of samurai families. Often, this is written as 武家屋敷.
Common Words & Compounds
Understanding 邸 is key to grasping terms related to prominent residences, spanning contexts from official buildings to luxurious private homes. Below are some common words and compounds:
Official and Formal Residences
- 邸宅 (teitaku) — mansion, stately residence. This is a very common term for a large, luxurious private home.
- 官邸 (kantei) — official residence. Primarily used for high-ranking government officials, like the Prime Minister's residence.
- 公邸 (kōtei) — public residence; official residence. Often used for diplomatic residences or those provided by public institutions.
- 私邸 (shitei) — private residence. Specifically refers to a personal, non-official dwelling, usually implying a grander scale.
- 本邸 (hontei) — main residence; principal home. Differentiates the primary dwelling from secondary ones.
- 別邸 (bettei) — villa; secondary residence. A separate residence often used for holidays or as a retreat.
Residential Areas and Historical Contexts
- 邸宅街 (teitakugai) — residential district with mansions; wealthy residential area. Refers to a neighborhood characterized by large, expensive homes.
- 邸内 (teinai) — within the residence grounds; inside the mansion. Refers to the interior of the property, including the house and its surrounding land.
- 藩邸 (hantei) — feudal lord's residence (historical). During the Edo period, this referred to the official residence of a daimyō (feudal lord) in Edo (Tokyo) or their domain.
- 旧邸 (kyūtei) — former residence. Indicates a residence that was previously occupied by someone, often with historical significance.
- 迎賓邸 (geihintei) — guest residence. A residence specifically designated for hosting important guests, often state guests.
Example Sentences
彼は広大な邸宅に住んでいます。
Kare wa kōdai na teitaku ni sundeimasu.
He lives in a vast mansion.
首相官邸で会議が開かれました。
Shushō kantei de kaigi ga hirakaremashita.
A meeting was held at the Prime Minister's official residence.
彼女の別邸は海の近くにあります。
Kanojo no bettei wa umi no chikaku ni arimasu.
Her villa is located near the sea.
古い邸が歴史的な価値を持っています。
Furui yashiki ga rekishiteki na kachi o motteimasu.
The old mansion holds historical value.
有名な画家の私邸は一般に公開されています。
Yūmei na gaka no shitei wa ippan ni kōkai sareteimasu.
The famous painter's private residence is open to the public.
彼は自分の邸内に美しい庭園を持っています。
Kare wa jibun no teinai ni utsukushii teien o motteimasu.
He has a beautiful garden within his residence grounds.
公邸で開催された歓迎会には多くの来賓が出席しました。
Kōtei de kaisai sareta kangeikai ni wa ooku no raihin ga shusseki shimashita.
Many guests attended the reception held at the official residence.
邸宅街を散歩すると、豪華な家々を見ることができます。
Teitakugai o sanpo suru to, gōka na ieie o miru koto ga dekimasu.
When you walk through the mansion district, you can see luxurious houses.
江戸時代の武家邸は、今では博物館として保存されています。
Edo jidai no bukeyashiki wa, ima de wa hakubutsukan toshite hozon sareteimasu.
Samurai residences from the Edo period are now preserved as museums.
歴史ある本邸は、世代から世代へと受け継がれてきました。
Rekishi aru hontei wa, sedai kara sedai e to uketsugarete kimashita.
The historic main residence has been passed down from generation to generation.
Memory Tip
To remember 邸, focus on its two main components. The left radical 阝 (こざとへん) represents a "town" or "village," giving the kanji a sense of location or place. The right component 丁 (てい) acts as a phonetic element for the On'yomi テイ. Imagine a grand Townhouse (丁 for 'Tei' and 'town') situated prominently within a specific district or town (阝). This grand building is the residence or mansion. You can use the sound 'Ding-dong' from the doorbell of a grand residence in a town district as a playful mnemonic!