Translation and Meaning of: 家来 - kerai

The Japanese word 家来 (けらい) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting historical and cultural meanings. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding like this can enrich your knowledge of Japanese culture.

In addition to uncovering what 家来 represents, let's analyze its use in modern contexts and its relationship with Japan's feudal history. Is this word still common today? How do the Japanese perceive it? These are some of the questions we will answer next.

Meaning and origin of 家来

家来 (けらい) means "vassal" or "servant," referring to someone who served a feudal lord in ancient Japan. The word is composed of the kanjis 家 (house, family) and 来 (to come), suggesting the idea of someone who "comes to the house" of a leader to provide service. This term was widely used during the Edo period, when the system of clans and lords was central to Japanese society.

Although it has historical roots, 家来 still appears in modern contexts, especially in books, films, and dramas that depict feudal Japan. However, its everyday use is rare, as the social structure has dramatically changed since that time. Today, it is more commonly found in historical discussions or works of fiction.

Cultural use and perception in Japan

In Japan, 家来 is a word that evokes images of samurais and castles, directly linked to the country's feudal past. It is not used in everyday life, but it still has a presence in popular culture, especially in animes, mangas, and games that explore historical themes. For example, characters in series like "Rurouni Kenshin" or "Samurai Champloo" may use this term to refer to subordinates.

Interestingly, although 家来 has connotations of subservience, many Japanese associate it with loyalty and honor, values important in samurai culture. This shows how an ancient word still carries deep meanings, even if it is no longer used actively. Its use today is more nostalgic or educational, helping to preserve historical memory.

Tips for memorizing and using 家来

If you are learning Japanese, an effective way to memorize 家来 is to associate it with its historical context. Think of samurai serving their masters – this image can help solidify the meaning. Another tip is to observe the kanjis separately: 家 (house) + 来 (to come) reinforces the idea of someone serving within a house or clan.

To practice, try using the word in sentences that refer to the feudal period, such as in story summaries or discussions about Japanese culture. Although it is not common in daily conversations, knowing it enriches your vocabulary and helps to better understand the language in its different s. And if you enjoy animes or historical books, you will surely encounter this term!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 家臣 (kashin) - Vassal or servant who serves a feudal lord.
• 従者 (juusha) - Companion or assistant, usually in a service context.
• 下僕 (geboku) - Servant or created, of lower hierarchy.
• 郎党 (routou) - Group of followers or allies of a feudal lord.
• 奴隷 (dorei) - Slave, a person without freedom.
• 使い (tsukai) - Messenger or someone who is sent for a task.
• 侍 (samurai) - Guard or warrior who serves a feudal lord.
• 付き人 (tsukibito) - Personal companion or close assistant.
• 供 (tomoshibi) - Companion or assistant, usually at events or ceremonies.
• 仕える者 (tsukaeru mono) - The one who serves, servant or employee.
• 従う者 (shitagau mono) - The one who follows or obeys.
• 随従者 (zuijuusha) - Follower or companion who is always by someone's side.
• 執事 (shitsuji) - Steward or butler, responsible for managing a household.
• 奉公人 (houkoujin) - Assistant or worker who serves in a house.
• 使役者 (shieki-sha) - Executor or agent who uses services from others.
• 従僕 (shuudoku) - Servant or a created being that serves a master.
• 手代 (tedai) - Assistant or employee who helps in a store.
• 介錯人 (kaishakunin) - Executor that acts in decapitation, with a connotation of aiding in moments of honor.
• 僕人 (bokunin) - Servant or created, a more archaic and formal term.
• 足軽 (ashigaru) - Infantry; men who served as soldiers or servants during the feudal era.
• 下人 (ge nin) - Low-class person or servant.
• 丁稚 (detchi) - Trainee or assistant in stores, usually young.
• しもべ (shimobe) - Servant or created, in colloquial use.
• 用人 (youjin) - A person who is used to serve or assist.
• 腰元 (koshi moto) - Personal assistant, often of a lady.
• 付け人 (tsukibito) - Companion or assistant, another term for the next ones.
• 仕置人 (shiokunin) - Person in charge of doing something, often someone who isters justice.
• 人足 (ninsoku) - Manual worker or helper.
• 奴 (do) - Slave or servant, a more informal term.
• 仕え (tsukae) - To serve, to be in someone's service.
• 仕え人 (tsukae bito) - He who serves, similar to 'servant'.
• 付け下人 (tsuke shita nin) - People who are assistants, one level below the standard.
• 付き従い (tsuki shitagaui) - To accompany or follow someone with devotion.
• 付き従う者 (tsuki shitagau mono) - He who follows in a servant's role.
• 付き人足 (tsuki bito ashi) - Companion who performs service functions.
• 付き人夫 (tsuki bito otoko) - Male companion who serves.
• 付き人女 (tsuki bito onna) - Female companion that serves.