Translation guide
The concept of people who will live after us, often used in discussions about legacy, environment, and long-term impact. Japanese expresses this through several common nouns and set phrases, with nuances of formality and context.
Referring to the people who will live in the future, in a general or abstract sense.
The most common and neutral word for 'descendants' or 'future generations'. Often used in formal contexts like speeches or writing.
私たちは子孫のために環境を守らなければならない。
We must protect the environment for future generations.
A more literal translation, 'generations of the future'. Slightly more formal and often used in policy or academic contexts.
この政策は将来の世代に影響を与えるだろう。
This policy will affect future generations.
A literary or formal term for 'posterity' or 'future ages'. Often used in historical or philosophical contexts.
彼の業績は後世に語り継がれるだろう。
His achievements will be passed down to future generations.
Referring specifically to one's own descendants or bloodline.
Also used for one's own descendants. Context distinguishes from the general meaning.
彼は自分の子孫に財産を残した。
He left his fortune to his descendants.
A formal term for 'descendant', often used in historical or genealogical contexts.
Expressing actions done for the benefit of those who come after us.
A common pattern meaning 'for the sake of descendants/future generations'.
子孫のために美しい地球を残そう。
Let's leave a beautiful Earth for future generations.
A more explicit phrase, often used in formal speeches or documents.
将来の世代のために、持続可能な社会を築く必要がある。
We need to build a sustainable society for future generations.
子孫 is more common and can refer to both one's own descendants and people in the future generally. 将来の世代 is more explicitly 'generations of the future' and is often used in formal or policy contexts. 後世 is literary and less common in everyday speech.
While 未来 (みらい) means 'future', it is not typically combined with 世代 to mean 'future generations'. Instead, use 将来の世代 or 子孫. 未来の世代 is sometimes seen but is less natural.
彼は武士の末裔だ。
He is a descendant of samurai.