Japanese word

跡継ぎ

Pronunciation

Romajiatotsugi

Meaning

  • nounheir

Example

長男が家業の跡継ぎです。chō nan ga ka gyō no ato tsu gi de su

The eldest son is the heir to the family business.

Illustration for 跡継ぎ (heir)

More examples

父は私を店の跡継ぎに決めました。chichi wa watashi o mise no ato tsu gi ni ki me ma shi ta

My father chose me as the heir to the shop.

Core concept

Describes someone who steps into a predecessor's place and carries on the family line, role, or business.

Common phrases

  • 家業の跡継ぎka gyō no ato tsu gi

    heir to the family business

  • 跡継ぎを決めるato tsu gi o ki me ru

    decide on an heir

  • 跡継ぎになるato tsu gi ni na ru

    become the heir

Similar words

跡取りatotori: A family member expected to inherit the household and carry on its name or work.
後継者kōkeisha: A person selected or expected to take over a position, role, or business.

Definition in Japanese

先代の後を受けて、家や家業を引き継ぐ人。sen dai no ato o u ke te ie ya ka gyō o hi ki tsu gu hito

Word origin

跡継ぎ (atotsugi, "heir; successor") is a native Japanese compound combining 跡 (ato, "the place left behind") with 継ぎ (tsugi, "continuation"), from 継ぐ (tsugu, "to succeed or take over").

Usage tips

  • The English word heir can focus on inherited property, while 跡継ぎ (atotsugi) commonly emphasizes taking over a family role or business.

Other meanings

  • successornoun

Word lists with this word