Meaning
老家 refers to one's hometown or the place where one's family originates from, especially the ancestral village or city where previous generations lived. It carries a sense of roots and family heritage, often implying a place you return to during holidays or special occasions, even if you no longer live there permanently.
Usage
老家 is commonly used when talking about where you or your family are originally from, especially in the context of Spring Festival returns or when introducing your background. It's more personal and warmer than just saying 家乡 (hometown). Often used in phrases like 回老家 (return to one's hometown) or when asking someone 你老家是哪里？(Where is your hometown?).
Examples
- 01春节我打算回老家看望父母。.I plan to return to my hometown to visit my parents during Spring Festival.
- 02你老家是哪里的？?Where is your hometown?
Characters
Common collocations
- 回老家to return to one's hometown
- 在老家in/at one's hometown
- 老家人people from one's hometown
Origin
老家 literally means 'old home,' combining 老 (old/original) with 家 (home/family), emphasizing the longstanding family connection to a particular place.