When combined, 想家 (xiǎng jiā) literally means “to miss home/family,” creating a simple, intuitive, and emotionally resonant term for homesickness.
In Chinese culture, the family (家, jiā) is the foundational pillar of society. The concept of home extends far beyond a physical dwelling to include one's parents, grandparents, ancestral roots, and hometown (家乡, jiāxiāng). Therefore, the feeling of 想家 is deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche. Leaving home for education or work is often seen as a necessary sacrifice for the family's future. This act is colored with a sense of duty and filial piety (孝, xiào). As a result, being homesick is not just a personal feeling of sadness but a natural and expected consequence of fulfilling one's obligations. Comparison to Western “Homesickness”: While the core emotion is the same, the cultural weight is different. In the West, “homesickness” is often associated with missing personal comforts, friends, and one's independent space. While this is part of 想家, the Chinese term is more heavily centered on longing for the family unit, the local food, and the sense of belonging to a collective. It's especially potent during major holidays like the Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), when family reunion (团圆, tuányuán) is paramount. Admitting you 想家 is seen as a sign of your strong family bonds, not as a weakness.
想家 is an extremely common and versatile phrase used in everyday, informal conversation.
The connotation is generally neutral to slightly melancholic. It's a way to share a moment of vulnerability and connect with others over a shared human experience.