Translation guide
A bequest is property or money left to someone in a will. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 遺産 (isan, inheritance) or the verb 遺贈する (izō suru, to bequeath). The concept is closely tied to inheritance law and formal will-making.
The act of leaving something to someone in a will, or the thing left.
General term for inheritance, including bequests. Can refer to the entire estate or a specific item.
Referring to a particular object or sum of money left to someone.
Literally 'thing that was bequeathed'. A natural way to refer to a bequest without using a single noun.
遺産 (isan) is the general word for inheritance, covering everything left by a deceased person. 遺贈 (izō) specifically refers to the act of leaving something by will, or the thing left by will. In everyday conversation, 遺産 is more common; 遺贈 is used in legal or formal writing.
The inheritance procedure is complicated.
彼は叔父から多額の遺産を受け取った。
He received a large bequest from his uncle.
The legal act of bequeathing property through a will. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
He bequeathed his entire estate to a charity.
Verb form: to bequeath. Used in formal or legal descriptions.
She intends to bequeath the painting to the museum.
A keepsake or memento left by a deceased person, often of sentimental rather than monetary value. Not a legal term.
I treasure the ring my grandmother left me.
This watch is a bequest from my grandfather.
Part of an inheritance. Used when the bequest is a portion of a larger estate.
He received the house as part of his bequest.
遺贈には遺言書が必要です。
A will is necessary for a bequest.
There is no single everyday Japanese word that perfectly matches 'bequest'. Using 遺贈 (izō) in casual speech may sound overly formal or legalistic. In most situations, 遺産 (isan) or a phrase like もらったもの (moratta mono, something received) is more natural.
This is a watch I got from my uncle (as a bequest).