Translation guide
The English word 'inherited' can refer to receiving property or titles after someone's death, or to having genetic traits or cultural traditions passed down. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these distinct meanings.
To express that someone legally received 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 'to take over and continue.' Used for inheriting both tangible and intangible things, like property, traditions, or a will. Slightly more literary or emotional than 相続する.
彼女は祖母から受け継いだ指輪を大切にしている。
She treasures the ring she inherited from her grandmother.
Specifically 'to inherit an estate/inheritance.' More formal and precise, often used in legal contexts.
彼は莫大な遺産を相続した。
He inherited a huge fortune.
To express that a physical or personality trait was passed down biologically.
The standard term for genetic inheritance. Used for diseases, physical features, and sometimes personality traits.
この病気は遺伝することがある。
This disease can be inherited.
彼の赤い髪は母親から遺伝したものだ。
His red hair was inherited from his mother.
A noun meaning 'inherited from one's parents.' Often used for personality traits or talents, with a nuance of something passed down naturally.
Refers to lineage or bloodline. Used when talking about inherited traits in a broader family context, sometimes with a nuance of pedigree.
To express that customs, knowledge, or values are passed down through generations.
The most natural verb for inheriting intangible cultural elements. Emphasizes continuation.
私たちは先祖から受け継いだ伝統を守っている。
We preserve the traditions inherited from our ancestors.
A formal term often used for inheriting cultural heritage, traditions, or a predecessor's work. Common in official or academic contexts.
その技術は代々継承されてきた。
The technique has been inherited for generations.
A set phrase meaning 'to inherit a tradition.' Explicitly mentions tradition.
彼は家族の伝統を受け継いで職人になった。
He inherited the family tradition and became a craftsman.
相続する is strictly for legal inheritance of assets or debts. 受け継ぐ is broader and can be used for both tangible and intangible things, often with an emotional or cultural nuance. For genetic traits, use 遺伝する.
Do not use 相続する for genetic or cultural inheritance. It sounds unnatural and implies a legal transfer. Use 遺伝する for biology and 受け継ぐ for culture.
彼の頑固さは親譲りだ。
His stubbornness is inherited from his parents.
His musical talent is inherited (runs in the blood).