noun
for generations; generation after generation
Emphasizes continuity across many generations, both past and future. Often used in formal or solemn contexts such as family lineage, traditions, or blessings.
この土地は子孫代々受け継がれてきた。
This land has been passed down for generations.
子孫代々の繁栄を願って、神社に参拝した。
We visited the shrine to pray for the prosperity of our descendants for generations to come.
代々 alone means 'for generations' and is more common and neutral. 子孫代々 explicitly includes the notion of descendants (子孫), making it more specific to family lineage.
子孫 means 'descendants' without the temporal 'generation after generation' nuance. 子孫代々 adds the continuous, multi-generational aspect.
Compound of 子孫 (descendants) and 代々 (for generations). The combination reinforces the idea of an unbroken line of descendants across many generations.