adverb, noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
for generations; from generation to generation; generation after generation
Describes something continuing or being passed down across multiple generations, often used with family, traditions, or places. Note the reading よよ, distinct from だいだい.
See also: 代々 (だいだい)
この店は代々続いている。
This shop has been passed down for generations.
代々の言い伝えを守っている。
They preserve the traditions handed down from generation to generation.
Same kanji but read だいだい; also means 'for generations' but is more common in modern Japanese. よよ is a less frequent reading, often found in literary or traditional contexts.
Reduplication of 代 (yo, 'generation, age') with rendaku voicing, yielding よよ. The kanji 代々 directly reflects this repetition.