noun
head family; main house; original family
Refers to the main lineage or principal household in a family system, often contrasted with branch families (分家). Also used for the original or central establishment of a school, style, or tradition.
See also: 分家
彼は本家の長男として育てられた。
He was raised as the eldest son of the main family.
この茶道の流派の本家は京都にある。
The head house of this tea ceremony school is in Kyoto.
noun
originator; founder; birthplace
Used for the person or place where a particular school, style, technique, or tradition originated. Often implies the authentic or authoritative source.
この料理法の本家はイタリアだ。
The birthplace of this cooking method is Italy.
彼はその武術の本家と呼ばれている。
He is called the founder of that martial art.
分家 means a branch family that has split off from the main family (本家). While 本家 is the original or central household, 分家 is a secondary or derivative one.
Compound of 本 (hon, 'main, original') and 家 (ke, 'house, family'). The reading ほんけ is the standard on'yomi combination.