Translation guide
The English word "lineage" refers to family descent, ancestry, or a line of successors. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this concept depends on context: for family lineage, 家系 (かけい) or 血筋 (ちすじ) are typical; for artistic or martial arts traditions, 流派 (りゅうは) or 系統 (けいとう) are used. Direct translation is often unnecessary—Japanese may simply state the family or group name.
Referring to one's family line, descent, or bloodline.
The most common and neutral word for family lineage or pedigree. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
Emphasizes blood relation or genetic lineage. Slightly more emotional or literary than 家系.
She is descended from nobility.
Often used for animals (pedigree) or in formal contexts about human bloodlines. Can sound technical.
This dog has an excellent pedigree.
Referring to a school, tradition, or line of masters in a discipline.
Specifically refers to a school or style of art, martial arts, tea ceremony, etc., with a lineage of masters.
He carries on an old school of flower arrangement.
A broader term for system or lineage, used in academic or organizational contexts. Can refer to a line of thought or technique.
Refers to a clan or family-like group under a master, often in traditional arts or sumo.
Referring to descent from a royal or aristocratic family.
Referring to a line of successors or a tradition passed down through generations.
In many contexts, English speakers overuse 'lineage' where Japanese would simply state the family name or group. For example, 'He is of samurai lineage' is more naturally expressed as 彼の家は武士だった (His family were samurai).
家系 is the general term for family line, while 血筋 emphasizes blood ties. 家系 is safer for most situations; 血筋 can sound dramatic or literary.
この武術の系統は江戸時代に遡る。
This martial arts lineage dates back to the Edo period.
彼はその一門の跡取りだ。
He is the successor of that lineage.
彼女は良い家柄の出だ。
She comes from a good family.
その技術は家族の伝統として受け継がれている。
The technique has been passed down as a family tradition.