Translation guide
The concept of an heir in Japanese is expressed through specific terms that distinguish between inheritance of property, succession to a family headship, and the broader idea of a successor. The most common and useful word for a learner is 相続人 (souzokunin) for legal inheritance, while 跡取り (atotori) is used for family succession. In many contexts, especially when the meaning is clear, the subject may be omitted.
To refer to a person who inherits property or assets according to a will or law.
The standard legal term for an heir who inherits property. Used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は父親の遺産の相続人です。
He is the heir to his father's estate.
Specifically a legal heir as defined by law, often used in discussions of inheritance rights.
法定相続人は配偶者と子供です。
The legal heirs are the spouse and children.
A person who inherits under a will (legatee). More specific than 相続人 and used in legal contexts.
遺言書で指定された受遺者が財産を受け取ります。
The legatee designated in the will receives the property.
To refer to a person who succeeds as the head of a family or inherits a family business/tradition.
The most common word for an heir in the sense of a successor to a family name, business, or tradition. Often implies a son, but can be gender-neutral.
彼は老舗旅館の跡取りです。
He is the heir to a long-established inn.
A successor or heir, often used for businesses, organizations, or artistic traditions. More formal than 跡取り.
An heir, especially to a throne or noble family. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
To refer to the person next in line to a monarchy or peerage.
Crown Prince, specifically the heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne of Japan.
皇太子は国民に敬愛されている。
The Crown Prince is beloved by the people.
Heir to the throne (general term for any monarchy).
彼は王位継承者として育てられた。
He was raised as the heir to the throne.
Loanword 'prince', often used for foreign royalty. Not typically used for Japanese imperial family.
To refer to someone who carries on a legacy, ideas, or style.
A successor or inheritor of ideas, traditions, or skills. Can be used figuratively.
彼はその芸術家の精神的な継承者と見なされている。
He is regarded as the spiritual heir of that artist.
A verb phrase meaning 'to succeed someone' or 'to take over from someone'. Very common and natural.
彼女は師匠の後を継いで、道場を運営している。
She succeeded her master and now runs the dojo.
相続人 is strictly for legal inheritance of property, while 跡取り is for family or business succession. Using 相続人 for a family heir can sound overly legalistic. Conversely, 跡取り is not used in legal documents.
彼は会社の跡取りだが、まだ相続人には指定されていない。
He is the heir to the company, but has not yet been designated as the legal heir.
In everyday conversation, Japanese often omits the subject when it's clear from context. Instead of saying 'He is the heir,' you might simply say 跡取りです (atotori desu) or use a verb phrase like 後を継ぐ (ato o tsugu).
彼女はその財産の唯一の相続人です。
She is the sole heir to the fortune.
家業には明確な跡取りがいない。
The family business has no clear heir.
社長は息子を後継者に指名した。
The president named his son as his successor.
王には世継ぎがいなかった。
The king had no heir.
チャールズ皇太子は長年プリンス・オブ・ウェールズでした。
Prince Charles was the Prince of Wales for many years.