Shop, Roof
や (ya)
Interesting Fact
In old Japan, many family businesses proudly included 屋 (や) in their names—not because they only sold goods, but because the character came to represent an entire household trade. A tofu maker became a 豆腐屋 (とうふや), a flower seller shop a 花屋 (はなや), and a fish shop a 魚屋 (さかなや). These weren't just stores—they were often the family's home, workshop, and business all under one roof. Even today, seeing ～屋 in a shop name carries a warm feeling of craftsmanship and tradition, hinting that generations may have practiced the same trade.
Memory Trick
Imagine someone built a tiny shop inside a giant hat. The top of 屋 looks like the huge roof (or hat), while the bottom looks like the shopkeeper squeezed underneath, desperately trying to fit. Every time you see 屋, think: "A shop hiding under an oversized roof."
Readings
Onyomi: オク (oku)
Kunyomi: や (ya)
Example Words
Example Sentence
駅の 前に 本屋が あります。
えきの まえに ほんやが あります。
eki no mae ni honya ga arimasu
There is a bookstore in front of the station.