Translation guide
The concept of inheritance in Japanese can refer to receiving property or titles after someone's death, inheriting genetic traits, or taking over traditions. The most common word is 相続 (そうぞく) for legal inheritance, while 遺伝 (いでん) is used for genetic inheritance. Other terms cover cultural inheritance, succession, and legacy.
Receiving money, property, or assets from a deceased person, especially in a legal context.
The standard legal term for inheritance of property or estate. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
He inherited his father's estate.
Literally 'to take over an inheritance'. A more descriptive phrase, often used when emphasizing the act of receiving.
Refers to the inheritance itself (the property or assets left behind). Often used with verbs like 残す (leave) or 受け取る (receive).
Passing of biological characteristics from parents to offspring.
The standard term for genetic inheritance. Used for traits, diseases, and heredity.
Receiving or passing on intangible things like traditions, knowledge, or values.
Taking over a role, title, or position, often within a family or organization.
A mechanism in programming where a class derives properties from another class.
相続 is primarily for legal/property inheritance. 継承 is for intangible things like traditions, skills, or programming. 遺伝 is strictly for biological inheritance. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
inherit an estate
The inheritance tax is too high.
She inherited her grandfather's estate.
He left a large inheritance.
This disease is inherited.
I think his talent is inherited.
Literally 'to inherit genes'. More specific when talking about DNA.
Children inherit genes from their parents.
Used for inheriting traditions, culture, techniques, or a legacy. Often implies active continuation.
To inherit traditional culture.
He inherited his master's techniques.
A versatile verb meaning 'to inherit' or 'to take over'. Can be used for both tangible and intangible things.
That custom has been inherited for generations.
Specifically refers to folklore, legends, or oral traditions passed down. More literary.
Old folklore has been inherited in this village.
Also used for succession to a family headship or title, though less common than for property.
To inherit the family headship.
Often used for succession to a throne, leadership, or a formal position.
To inherit the throne.
A common phrase meaning 'to succeed' or 'to take over' a family business or role.
He inherited his father's practice and became a doctor.
The standard term in computer science for class inheritance.
This class inherits from the parent class.
inherit culture
disease is inherited
Saying 彼の身長は相続だ is unnatural. Use 遺伝: 彼の身長は遺伝だ (His height is inherited).