Translation guide
The English verb 'inherit' covers receiving property or titles after someone's death, as well as receiving genetic traits or abstract things like problems or traditions from predecessors. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is inherited and the context.
To legally receive assets or a title from a deceased person.
The standard legal term for inheriting property, assets, or debts. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
彼は父親から家を相続した。
He inherited a house from his father.
Literally 'receive and succeed'. Can be used for property, but more commonly for intangible things like traditions or skills. For property, it sounds slightly more literary or emotional than 相続する.
彼女は祖母から宝石を受け継いだ。
She inherited jewelry from her grandmother.
Specifically 'inherit an estate/inheritance'. More explicit than 相続する alone.
彼は多額の遺産を相続した。
He inherited a large fortune.
To have a biological trait passed down from parents.
The standard term for genetic inheritance. Used for traits, diseases, etc. Often used in the passive form 遺伝される or as 遺伝的な.
彼の赤い髪は母親から遺伝した。
His red hair was inherited from his mother.
A casual way to say something 'runs in the family' or 'is genetic'.
彼の才能は遺伝だね。
His talent is inherited, isn't it.
Can also be used for genetic traits, but less scientific than 遺伝する. Emphasizes the passing down through generations.
To take over something negative or challenging that was created by someone else.
Means to take over or succeed to a task, duty, or problem. Commonly used in business contexts.
新社長は前の経営陣から多額の負債を引き継いだ。
The new president inherited a huge debt from the previous management.
Also used for abstract things like problems or traditions, but 引き継ぐ is more common for business or operational handovers.
To carry on intangible heritage like customs, knowledge, or craftsmanship.
The most natural choice for inheriting traditions, skills, or cultural values. Emphasizes the active continuation.
私たちは先祖からこの祭りを受け継いでいる。
We have inherited this festival from our ancestors.
Specifically means to hand down or inherit folklore, legends, or traditional knowledge. More formal and often used in cultural preservation contexts.
その村では古い言い伝えが伝承されている。
Old legends have been inherited in that village.
相続する is strictly for legal inheritance of property or titles after death. 受け継ぐ is broader, covering both tangible and intangible things, often with a sense of emotional or cultural continuity. 引き継ぐ is used for taking over duties, tasks, or problems, especially in work settings.
Using 相続する for genetic traits or traditions sounds unnatural. Stick to 遺伝する for biology and 受け継ぐ for culture.
She has inherited her mother's beauty.
He inherited the company's financial difficulties from his father.