系図
keizu[ke̞ːzɨ]
The English word "genealogy" is translated into Japanese as 系図 (keizu).
系図 refers to the study and recording of descents. A common way to use this word is in the phrase 系図をたどる, which means "to trace a genealogy".
Meaning: study and recording of descents (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: the character 系 (kei), meaning lineage, line or system and 図 (zu), which makes the word literally mean "lineage diagram".
Which one should you use?
家系 refers to the lineage or family tree, encompassing both ancestors and descendants. 系譜 also refers to lineage or a family tree but places more emphasis on the historical aspect of the genealogy. For a more informal way to speak about the subject, you can use the phrase 家族の歴史, which means "family history".
How do you pronounce it?
keizu
When do people say it?
If you want to ask someone about their family tree, you can say あなたの家系を教えてください, which means "Please tell me about your family tree.".
Did you know?
- In historical 系図, a family might list a successor who was not biologically related, as the 'lineage' of the house 家 was considered more important than actual blood relations.
- In Japanese culture, the concept of genealogy is tied to the koseki system, a government registry that legally documents family lines and births. Unlike Western genealogies which are often personal hobbies, the koseki is a strict legal requirement for identity and citizenship.
- The term 家系 is not only for people but is used to describe the 'lineage' of a traditional business or a specific craft passing through generations.
Examples in context
- 家系図を作成しています。I am creating a family tree.
- それは素晴らしいですね。家族の歴史を調べることは大事です。That's wonderful. Exploring your family history is important.
- 家族の歴史について話しましょうか？Shall we talk about family history?
- 彼は古い系図を調べています。Kare wa furui keizu o shirabete imasu.He is researching an old genealogy.
- この系図はとても詳細です。Kono keizu wa totemo shousai desu.This genealogy is very detailed.
- 系図を辿ることは楽しいです。Keizu o tadoru koto wa tanoshii desu.Tracing a genealogy is fun.
Example conversation
Daito and Misaki are looking at a family document.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、この系図を見てください。Misaki, kono keizu o mite kudasai.Misaki, please look at this genealogy chart.
- 美咲 Misakiすごいですね。誰が書いていたんですか。sugoi desu ne. dare ga kaite ita n desu ka.That's amazing. Who wrote it?
- 大翔 Hirotoひいおじいさんが書いたそうです。hii-ojiisan ga kaita sou desu.I heard my great-grandfather wrote it.
- 美咲 Misaki先祖についてよく分かりますね。senzo ni tsuite yoku wakarimasu ne.It really helps you understand your ancestors.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 系図, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
