Translation guide
The English word "pedigree" can refer to a person's ancestry or lineage, an animal's breed lineage, or a record of descent. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing a person's family background, descent, or social lineage.
Refers to family lineage or social standing. Often used for well-established families.
彼は良い家柄の出だ。
He comes from a good family.
Bloodline or lineage, often used for both people and animals. Slightly formal.
彼女は貴族の血統を引いている。
She is of noble lineage.
A family tree or genealogical chart. More concrete than abstract lineage.
彼は自分の系図を調べている。
He is researching his family tree.
Describing the documented ancestry of an animal, especially for purebred dogs, cats, or horses.
A pedigree certificate or document proving purebred lineage. Commonly used for dogs and cats.
この犬には血統書がついている。
This dog comes with a pedigree certificate.
Bloodline, used for animals as well. Often in compound words.
Purebred. Emphasizes the purity of the breed rather than the documentation.
彼は純血種の猫を飼っている。
He keeps a pedigree cat.
Referring to a written or visual record showing ancestry, like a family tree or chart.
A family tree or genealogical chart. The most common term for a visual representation of lineage.
彼は家系図を作成した。
He created a pedigree chart.
A genealogical table or record. Slightly more formal or historical.
The English word "pedigree" when used for people can sound elitist or like eugenics in Japanese if translated literally. Use 家柄 (family background) or 血統 (lineage) carefully, and prefer softer expressions like 家系 (family line) or 出自 (origin) in neutral contexts.
この馬は優れた血統だ。
This horse has an excellent pedigree.
This pedigree goes back to the Edo period.