Translation guide
A diagram showing family relationships, or the concept of lineage. Japanese distinguishes between a physical chart and the abstract notion of ancestry.
The learner wants to refer to a drawn or printed chart showing how family members are related.
The learner wants to talk about someone's family background or descent, not a physical chart.
Refers to family lineage or bloodline. Often used when discussing ancestry or inherited traits.
The literal translation '家族の木' (kazoku no ki) is not used in Japanese and will cause confusion. Use 家系図 or ファミリーツリー for the chart, and 家系 for the abstract concept.
My grandfather made a family tree for us.
この家系図は江戸時代までさかのぼれる。
This family tree goes back to the Edo period.
A slightly more formal or technical term for a genealogical chart, often used in historical contexts.
その家の系図は非常に複雑だ。
The family's genealogy is very complex.
A loanword from English, commonly understood, especially in casual or educational settings.
学校のプロジェクトでファミリーツリーを描いた。
I drew a family tree for a school project.
彼は武士の家系だ。
He comes from a samurai lineage.
家系を調べると、意外な事実がわかった。
When I researched my ancestry, I discovered surprising facts.
Literally 'bloodline', emphasizes biological descent. Can sound slightly dramatic or old-fashioned.
音楽の才能は血筋だね。
Musical talent runs in the family.
A formal term for genealogy or pedigree, often used in academic or historical writing.
この論文では、皇室の系譜を分析している。
This paper analyzes the genealogy of the imperial family.