後継者
kōkeisha[ko̞ːke̞ːɕa̠]
The English word "successor" can be translated into Japanese in several ways depending on the context. If unsure, use 後継者 (kōkeisha). Wiktionary also lists 後任 (kōnin) and 継承者 (keishōsha).
Meaning: person or thing that immediately follows another (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 後継者 | kōkeisha | [ko̞ːke̞ːɕa̠] (narrow) |
| 後任 | kōnin | [ko̞ːɲ̟ĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 継承者 | keishōsha | [ke̞ːɕo̞ːɕa̠] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the choice of word for "successor" depends heavily on what is being succeeded, such as a job role, a family lineage or a physical inheritance.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 後継者 is composed of the characters 後 (after), 継 (succeed/continue) and 者 (person).
Which one should you use?
The different forms are used in specific contexts: 後任 is used for a person taking over a specific professional or administrative role or position from someone else. 後継者 is a general term for someone succeeding a predecessor in a business, a family line or a tradition/movement. 継承者 is used when the focus is specifically on the act of inheriting a title, property or an intangible legacy.
How do you pronounce it?
kōkeisha
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese business contexts, the 'successor' is often not a blood relative but a muko-yōshi, an adopted son-in-law who takes the family name to ensure the business survives.
- While English speakers might say 'the successor to the throne', Japanese often uses the term 跡継ぎ (atotsugi) for family heirs, which literally means 'one who follows the footprints'.
- In the word 継承者, the component 継 (kei) is also found in the word for 'succession' (kōkei), showing a linguistic root tied to the idea of sewing or joining things together.
Examples in context
- 彼は後任として足立さんを指名した。He appointed Ms. Adachi as his successor.This sentence shows how to use 後任 when appointing someone to a role.
- 田中さんは来年引退しますが、娘さんが後継者になります。Mr. Tanaka will retire next year, and his daughter will be his successor.
- 彼は会社の後継者として選ばれた。Kare wa kaisha no koukeisha to shite erabareta.He was chosen as the successor of the company.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are discussing a family business succession.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さんは、お店の後継者になるの？Youta-san wa, omise no koukeisha ni naru no?Youta, are you going to be the successor of the shop?
- 陽太 Yota今はまだ準備をしているところだよ。Ima wa mada junbi o shite iru tokoro da yo.I am still in the middle of preparing right now.
- 陽葵 Himari大変そうだけど、応援してるね。Taihen sou da kedo, ouen shiteru ne.It sounds tough, but I'm rooting for you.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵。頑張るよ。Arigatou, Himari. Ganbaru yo.Thank you, Himari. I'll do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “successor” translations and entries 後継者, 後任, 継承者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 後継者, 継承者, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
