Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 相続人 | sōzokunin | [so̞ːzo̞kɯ̟ɲ̟ĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 跡取り | atotori | |
| 継承者 | keishōsha | [ke̞ːɕo̞ːɕa̠] (narrow) |
The term for heir varies based on what is being inherited. 相続人 refers to the person inheriting property or assets. 跡取り is used for someone carrying on a family line or business, often appearing in the phrase 跡取り息子 to specifically mean an 'heir son'. 継承者 is used when the inheritance involves a title, a position or a specific tradition.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 相続人 is composed of 相続 (inheritance) and 人 (person). The word 跡取り literally means one who takes over the traces or tracks (the legacy) of those who came before.
Which one should you use?
相続人 is the standard term for a legal or formal heir of property. 跡取り is a more colloquial term for someone inheriting a family lineage or business. 継承者 is used in formal contexts when the inheritance concerns a title, position or tradition rather than just material assets.
How do you pronounce it?
sōzokunin
Did you know?
- In historical Japan, the 跡取り was not always the eldest son. Families sometimes practiced 'adoption for inheritance' to bring in a capable adult male if the biological heir was deemed unfit.
- In traditional Japanese businesses, the 跡取り might be expected to start at the bottom of the company as a regular employee to earn the respect of staff before taking over.
- The term 継承者 is frequently used in modern Japanese pop culture, such as anime and manga, to describe someone inheriting a supernatural power or a secret technique rather than a legal title.
Examples in context
- トムは老舗旅館の跡取り息子だよ。Tom is the son and heir to the traditional Japanese inn.This sentence is useful for describing an 'heir son' using 跡取り.Tatoeba #10140842 by small_snow, translation #10248802 by terrywallwork
- どちらの王子が正統な王位継承者か。Which prince is the legitimate heir to the throne?This sentence is useful for discussing a legitimate successor to a throne using 継承者.Tatoeba #200763 by Ianagisacos, translation #37965 by CM
- 彼は一族の世継ぎとなる予定です。He is destined to be the heir of the family.
- 後継者の役割には責任が伴います。The role of an heir comes with responsibilities.
- 私は家業を継ぐ予定で、今は父の弟子です。I am planning to inherit the family business, so currently, I am my father's apprentice.
- 彼は唯一の法定相続人です。Kare wa yuiitsu no houtei souzokunin desu.He is the sole legal heir.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing legal documents.
- 結衣 Yuiこの書類の相続人は誰になりますか？Kono shorui no souzokunin wa dare ni narimasu ka?Who will be the heir in these documents?
- 陽太 Yota基本的には、配偶者が相続人になります。Kihonteki ni wa, haigousha ga souzokunin ni narimasu.Basically, the spouse becomes the heir.
- 結衣 Yuiなるほど、手続きは複雑そうですね。Naruhodo, tetsuzuki wa fukuzatsu sou desu ne.I see, the procedure seems complicated.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、専門家に相談したほうがいいです。Hai, senmonka ni soudan shita hou ga ii desu.Yes, it is better to consult a professional.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heir” translations and entries 相続人, 継承者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
