Translation guide
The concept of future generations or all people who will live after the present time. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns, set phrases, and contextual strategies rather than a single direct equivalent.
posterity
Most common equivalent. Use 後世のために for 'for posterity'.
Referring to all people who will live after the present, often in formal or written contexts.
The most common and neutral term for 'posterity' or 'future generations'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
This work will remain for posterity.
Literally 'descendants' or 'offspring'. Often used when emphasizing lineage or bloodline, but can extend to mean future generations in general.
We must protect the environment for posterity.
Similar to 後世 but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in historical or academic contexts.
Cultural heritage that should be passed on to posterity.
Primarily means 'the next world' or 'afterlife', but can poetically refer to future generations. Use with caution as it may be misunderstood.
Usually refers to the afterlife, not posterity. Only use in very specific poetic contexts.
To think of people in posterity (poetic).
Expressing actions taken now to benefit those who come after us.
The act of transmitting knowledge, culture, or values to future generations.
English 'posterity' is often used in set phrases like 'for posterity' or 'posterity will judge'. Direct word-for-word translation into Japanese can sound unnatural. Use the patterns provided instead.
後世 (こうせい) refers to future generations in a broad, abstract sense. 子孫 (しそん) specifically means descendants or offspring. Use 子孫 when emphasizing bloodline or direct lineage; otherwise 後世 is safer.
We must preserve these documents for posterity.
Posterity will remember his achievements.
Build a sustainable society for posterity.
Let's leave beautiful nature for posterity.