Translation guide
The English word 'inheritor' refers to someone who receives property, a title, or a tradition from a predecessor. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 相続人 (そうぞくにん) for legal inheritance, but other terms apply to heirs of traditions, skills, or roles.
A person legally entitled to inherit money, property, or assets from a deceased person.
The standard legal term for an heir or inheritor of an estate. Used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は父親の遺産の相続人です。
He is the inheritor of his father's estate.
Refers to an heir, especially in a family business or lineage. Often implies the successor who will carry on the family name or trade.
彼は老舗旅館の跡取りです。
He is the inheritor of the long-established inn.
A general term for a successor or inheritor, often used for intangible things like rights, traditions, or responsibilities.
彼はその伝統の継承者です。
He is the inheritor of that tradition.
A legal term specifically for a beneficiary of a will (devisee/legatee). Used in formal legal documents.
遺言書で指定された受遺者が財産を受け取った。
The inheritor designated in the will received the property.
A person who inherits a title, rank, or official position, such as a monarch or head of a family.
A successor or heir to a position, title, or role. Commonly used in business, politics, and royalty.
彼は王位の後継者です。
He is the inheritor of the throne.
An archaic term for an heir, especially to a noble or royal title. Rarely used in modern Japanese except in historical contexts.
A person who carries on a cultural tradition, craft, or intangible heritage from a predecessor.
Used for someone who inherits and continues a tradition, skill, or cultural legacy.
彼女はその芸術様式の継承者です。
She is the inheritor of that art style.
Specifically refers to a person who passes down oral traditions, folklore, or intangible cultural heritage.
彼は民話の伝承者として知られている。
He is known as an inheritor of folk tales.
相続人 is strictly legal and refers to inheritance of property. 跡取り emphasizes succession in a family business or lineage. 継承者 is broader and can refer to inheriting intangible things like traditions, rights, or responsibilities.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'inheritor' as 相続人 may sound overly formal or legal. Use 跡取り for family businesses or 継承者 for traditions unless the legal aspect is important.
He was raised as the inheritor of the feudal lord.