Translation guide
The concept of an heir in Japanese is expressed through specific terms that distinguish between inheritance of property, succession to a family headship, and the broader idea of a successor. The most common and useful word for a learner is 相続人 (souzokunin) for legal inheritance, while 跡取り (atotori) is used for family succession. In many contexts, especially when the meaning is clear, the subject may be omitted.
To refer to a person who inherits property or assets according to a will or law.
The standard legal term for an heir who inherits property. Used in formal and legal contexts.
He is the heir to his father's estate.
Specifically a legal heir as defined by law, often used in discussions of inheritance rights.
The legal heirs are the spouse and children.
A person who inherits under a will (legatee). More specific than 相続人 and used in legal contexts.
The legatee designated in the will receives the property.
To refer to a person who succeeds as the head of a family or inherits a family business/tradition.
The most common word for an heir in the sense of a successor to a family name, business, or tradition. Often implies a son, but can be gender-neutral.
He is the heir to a long-established inn.
A successor or heir, often used for businesses, organizations, or artistic traditions. More formal than 跡取り.
An heir, especially to a throne or noble family. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
To refer to the person next in line to a monarchy or peerage.
Crown Prince, specifically the heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne of Japan.
The Crown Prince is beloved by the people.
Heir to the throne (general term for any monarchy).
Loanword 'prince', often used for foreign royalty. Not typically used for Japanese imperial family.
To refer to someone who carries on a legacy, ideas, or style.
相続人 is strictly for legal inheritance of property, while 跡取り is for family or business succession. Using 相続人 for a family heir can sound overly legalistic. Conversely, 跡取り is not used in legal documents.
He is the heir to the company, but has not yet been designated as the legal heir.
In everyday conversation, Japanese often omits the subject when it's clear from context. Instead of saying 'He is the heir,' you might simply say 跡取りです (atotori desu) or use a verb phrase like 後を継ぐ (ato o tsugu).
She is the sole heir to the fortune.
The family business has no clear heir.
社長は息子を後継者に指名した。
The president named his son as his successor.
王には世継ぎがいなかった。
The king had no heir.
He was raised as the heir to the throne.
チャールズ皇太子は長年プリンス・オブ・ウェールズでした。
Prince Charles was the Prince of Wales for many years.
She succeeded her master and now runs the dojo.