Japanese word

後継

Pronunciation

Romajikōkei

Meaning

  • nounsuccessor

Example

社長は息子を後継に指名しました。sha chō wa musuko o kō kei ni shi mei shi ma shi ta

The president named his son as his successor.

Illustration for 後継 (successor)

More examples

取締役会は若い部長を後継に選びました。tori shimari yaku kai wa waka i bu chō o kō kei ni era bi ma shi ta

The board selected a young department head to be the successor.

Core concept

Describes a person or process that follows an existing role, position, or order and continues it.

Common phrases

  • 後継を育てるkō kei o soda te ru

    develop a successor

  • 後継を選ぶkō kei o era bu

    choose a successor

Similar words

後継者kōkeisha: A person who takes over a role, position, or family line from an earlier holder.
後任kōnin: A person who takes over a specific job or position after the previous holder leaves it.
後継機kōkeiki: A newer machine or device designed to replace an earlier model.

Definition in Japanese

前任者の地位や役目を受け継ぐ者や、受け継ぐこと。zen nin sha no chi i ya yaku me o u ke tsu gu mono ya u ke tsu gu ko to

Word origin

後継 (kōkei) combines 後 (kō, "after") and 継 (kei, "inherit or continue"), expressing what follows and takes over from what came before.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese product reviews, 後継 (kōkei) can describe a newer camera, car, or device that replaces an earlier model.

Other meanings

  • successionnoun

Opposites

  • 前任者zenninshapredecessornoun

Related words

  • 後継者kōkeishasuccessornoun
  • 後継ぎatotsugiheirnoun

Word lists with this word