Japanese word

継ぐ

Pronunciation

Romajitsugu

Meaning

  • verbtake over

Example

家業を継ぎます。ka gyō o tsu gi ma su

I will take over the family business.

Illustration for 継ぐ (take over)

More examples

その王子は王位を継ぎました。so no ō ji wa ō i o tsu gi ma shi ta

The prince inherited the throne.

Core concept

It describes keeping a family role, occupation, or responsibility going after the previous holder passes it on.

Common phrases

  • 後を継ぐato o tsu gu

    take over from someone

  • 王位を継ぐō i o tsu gu

    inherit the throne

  • 家業を継ぐka gyō o tsu gu

    take over a family business

Similar words

引き継ぐhikitsugu: To assume a role, duty, or task from a predecessor and carry it on.
受け継ぐuketsugu: To receive a role, tradition, skill, or responsibility and carry it on.
継承するkeishōsuru: To formally take over a position, authority, or tradition from a predecessor.

Definition in Japanese

先人が担っていた家業や役割を受け継いで、自分が担うこと。sen jin ga nina tte i ta ka gyō ya yaku wari o u ke tsu i de ji bun ga nina u ko to

Word origin

継ぐ (tsugu) is a native Japanese verb, and its noun-like continuative form 継ぎ (tsugi) appears in compounds such as 継ぎ目 (tsugime, "seam"); this links the verb to carrying something onward.

Usage tips

  • English inherit often suggests receiving money or property, whereas 継ぐ (tsugu) usually emphasizes continuing a predecessor's role, work, or position.

Other meanings

  • inheritverb
  • succeedverb

Related words

  • 継ぎ手tsugitesuccessornoun

Word lists with this word