Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'descendant' is expressed through several words that differ in formality, scope, and nuance. The most common and neutral term is 子孫 (shison), referring to one's descendants in general. 子孫 is suitable for most contexts, from casual to formal. 末裔 (matsuei) is a more literary or formal term, often used for distant descendants or in historical contexts. 後裔 (kōei) is similar but even more formal and rare. 子々孫々 (shishisonson) is an idiomatic phrase meaning 'descendants for generations to come.' For specific relationships, 孫 (mago) means 'grandchild,' and 曾孫 (sōson) or ひ孫 (himago) means 'great-grandchild.' When referring to a descendant in a lineage or family tree, 子孫 is the safest choice.
Referring to one's descendants in a general sense, such as children, grandchildren, and beyond.
The most common and neutral word for 'descendant.' It can be used in both casual and formal contexts, and refers to all future generations of a family or lineage.
彼の子孫は今もこの町に住んでいる。
His descendants still live in this town.
私たちは皆、アフリカの子孫だ。
We are all descendants of Africa.
A more literary or formal term for 'descendant,' often implying a distant descendant or the last of a line. It carries a sense of historical or noble lineage.
彼は武士の末裔だと自称している。
He claims to be a descendant of samurai.
A very formal and rare term for 'descendant,' similar to 末裔 but even more literary. Seldom used in everyday conversation.
その家系の後裔は途絶えた。
The descendants of that family line have died out.
Emphasizing the continuation of a family line through many generations, often in a poetic or emphatic way.
An idiomatic four-character compound meaning 'descendants for generations to come' or 'from generation to generation.' It emphasizes the unbroken line of descent.
この土地は子々孫々に受け継がれてきた。
This land has been passed down from generation to generation.
Referring to a specific descendant in the immediate family tree, such as a grandchild or great-grandchild.
The standard word for 'grandchild.' It is neutral and commonly used.
孫が遊びに来た。
My grandchild came to visit.
The formal term for 'great-grandchild.' It is less common in casual speech, where ひ孫 is often used instead.
The more casual and common word for 'great-grandchild.' It is used in everyday conversation.
子孫 is the everyday word for descendants. 末裔 is more formal and often implies a distant or notable lineage. 後裔 is even rarer and more literary. In most situations, 子孫 is the best choice.
子孫 is perfectly acceptable in academic or formal contexts. You do not need to use a more obscure term unless you want to emphasize a historical or noble lineage.
曾孫の誕生を祝った。
We celebrated the birth of our great-grandchild.
I have three great-grandchildren.