Translation guide
The study of family history and lineage, or a recorded family tree. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for the field of study, a family record, or a diagram of ancestry.
Referring to genealogy as an academic discipline or hobby of tracing family lines.
The formal term for genealogy as a field of study. Used in academic or serious hobby contexts.
彼は家系学を大学で専攻した。
He majored in genealogy at university.
Another term for genealogy as a study, emphasizing the creation and analysis of family trees.
系図学の研究は歴史学と深く関わっている。
The study of genealogy is deeply connected to history.
Referring to a physical or written record of a family's ancestry, such as a chart or book.
The most common word for a family tree diagram or chart. Used in everyday conversation about family history.
祖母が古い家系図を見せてくれた。
My grandmother showed me an old family tree.
A slightly more formal or historical term for a genealogical chart or record. Often used in historical contexts.
A formal, often historical term for a family record or genealogy book. Rare in modern casual use.
その家譜は代々大切に保管されてきた。
That family genealogy has been carefully preserved for generations.
Talking about someone's family background or descent without a specific document.
Refers to family lineage or bloodline. Commonly used in phrases like '家系を調べる' (to research one's lineage).
自分の家系を調べてみたい。
I want to look into my genealogy.
Emphasizes bloodline or descent. Slightly more biological or hereditary nuance.
Refers to one's origin or background, including family lineage. Often used in formal contexts.
家系図 is the everyday word for a family tree, while 系図 is more formal and often used in historical or academic contexts. For most learners, 家系図 is the safer choice.
To say 'I'm researching my genealogy,' use 家系を調べている (かけいをしらべている). Avoid literal translations like 系図学をしている, which sounds unnatural for a personal hobby.
This genealogy can be traced back to the Edo period.
He is descended from samurai.
His genealogy is not clear.