遺産
isan[isã̠ɴ]
The English phrase 'legacy' is translated into Japanese as 遺産 (isan).
遺産 (isan) is used to refer to something inherited from a predecessor, such as a heritage. It is commonly used to describe substantial inheritances like property or money, or to discuss a legacy in a general sense with an emphasis on material aspects.
Meaning: something inherited from a predecessor, a heritage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 遺産 is composed of the characters 遺, meaning 'to leave behind' and 産, meaning 'property' or 'production'.
Which one should you use?
遺産 can refer to a cultural legacy, but it is also the standard term for a financial inheritance or an estate left by a deceased person.
How do you pronounce it?
isan
Did you know?
- The character 産 in 遺産 is the same character used in the word for 'birth', 出産 (shussan), creating a linguistic link between 'production/birth' and 'property/estate'.
- In Japanese, the term 遺産 (isan) is used in the same technical sense as 'World Heritage Site', which is 世界遺産 (sekai isan).
- If you are talking about a legacy of ideas or a spiritual legacy rather than material wealth, Japanese speakers often switch to the word 遺志 (ishi).
Examples in context
- 負の遺産Negative legacyThis sentence shows how to express the concept of a 'negative legacy' using 遺産.
- 彼の遺産は私たち家族に多くの幸せをもたらしました。His legacy brought much happiness to our family.
- 彼の遺産は家族に良い影響を与え続けているんだ。His legacy continues to have a positive influence on the family.
- 私たちはこの知識を後世に残すべきだ。We should leave this knowledge to future generations.
- 彼は偉大な科学者の遺産を受け継いだ。Kare wa idai na kagakusha no isan o uketsuida.He inherited the legacy of a great scientist.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are visiting an old temple.
- 陽太 Yotaこの建物は貴重な遺産ですね。Kono tatemono wa kichō na isan desu ne.This building is a precious legacy, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当に。歴史を感じます。Hontō ni. Rekishi o kanjimasu.Truly. I can feel the history.
- 陽太 Yota大切に守りたいものです。Taisetsu ni mamoritai mono desu.It is something we want to protect carefully.
- 美咲 Misaki私もそう思います、陽太さん。Watashi mo sō omoimasu, Yōta-san.I think so too, Yota.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 遺産, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
