Translation guide
The act of legally excluding someone from inheriting property or rights, or the state of being excluded. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the legal term 廃除 (haijo) or the more general 勘当 (kandō), which carries strong cultural connotations of family disownment.
To refer to the formal legal process of excluding a legal heir from inheritance, as defined by the Japanese Civil Code.
The standard legal term for disinheritance under Japanese law. Used in formal and legal contexts.
I petitioned the family court for the disinheritance of the heir.
廃除の手続きは複雑だ。
The disinheritance procedure is complicated.
A compound explicitly meaning 'inheritance disinheritance', often used in legal documents.
相続廃除の要件を満たしている。
The requirements for disinheritance are met.
To express the act of disowning a child or family member, often with strong emotional and social implications, not necessarily through formal legal channels.
Traditional term for disowning a child, severing family ties. Historically used in samurai and merchant families. Still understood today, often in dramatic or historical contexts.
彼は親に勘当された。
He was disowned by his parents.
勘当を言い渡された。
I was told I was disowned.
Literally 'to cut the parent-child bond'. A common, everyday expression for disowning or being disowned.
親子の縁を切ると言われた。
I was told I would be disowned.
An archaic term for disownment, primarily used in historical contexts (Edo period). Rare in modern usage.
江戸時代には義絶が行われた。
During the Edo period, disownment was practiced.
To describe the act of leaving someone out of a will, thereby preventing them from inheriting.
A clear, natural way to say 'to exclude from inheritance by will'. Not a single word, but the most common phrasing.
彼は遺言で長男を相続から外した。
He disinherited his eldest son in his will.
A straightforward way to say 'not let inherit'. Often used in explanations of disinheritance.
あの子には相続させないつもりだ。
I intend to disinherit that child.
廃除 (haijo) is a formal legal procedure under the Civil Code, requiring court involvement. 勘当 (kandō) is a traditional, non-legal disownment that carries heavy emotional weight but has no legal effect on inheritance rights today. Use 廃除 for legal contexts, 勘当 for family drama or historical references.
The English word 'disinheritance' is often translated directly as 廃除, but in casual conversation about family estrangement, Japanese speakers are more likely to use phrases like 親子の縁を切る or 勘当する. Using 廃除 in a non-legal context may sound overly technical.