Translation guide
The concept of future generations or all people who will live after the present time. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns, set phrases, and contextual strategies rather than a single direct equivalent.
Referring to all people who will live after the present, often in formal or written contexts.
The most common and neutral term for 'posterity' or 'future generations'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
この作品は後世に残るだろう。
This work will remain for posterity.
Literally 'descendants' or 'offspring'. Often used when emphasizing lineage or bloodline, but can extend to mean future generations in general.
我々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 posterity.
Similar to 後世 but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in historical or academic contexts.
後代に伝えるべき文化遺産。
Cultural heritage that should be passed on to posterity.
Primarily means 'the next world' or 'afterlife', but can poetically refer to future generations. Use with caution as it may be misunderstood.
Usually refers to the afterlife, not posterity. Only use in very specific poetic contexts.
来世の人々に思いを馳せる。
To think of people in posterity (poetic).
Expressing actions taken now to benefit those who come after us.
A common phrase meaning 'for posterity' or 'for future generations'.
後世のために記録を残す。
Leave records for posterity.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'for future generations'. Slightly more modern and direct than 後世.
将来の世代のために持続可能な社会を築く。
Build a sustainable society for posterity.
The act of transmitting knowledge, culture, or values to future generations.
Means 'to pass on to posterity'. Very common in discussions about heritage and tradition.
この伝統を後世に伝えたい。
I want to pass this tradition on to posterity.
Means 'to leave for posterity'. Often used for tangible things like buildings, art, or records.
美しい自然を後世に残そう。
Let's leave beautiful nature for posterity.
English 'posterity' is often used in set phrases like 'for posterity' or 'posterity will judge'. Direct word-for-word translation into Japanese can sound unnatural. Use the patterns provided instead.
後世 (こうせい) refers to future generations in a broad, abstract sense. 子孫 (しそん) specifically means descendants or offspring. Use 子孫 when emphasizing bloodline or direct lineage; otherwise 後世 is safer.
これらの文書を後世のために保存しなければならない。
We must preserve these documents for posterity.
彼の業績は後世に語り継がれるだろう。
Posterity will remember his achievements.