继承

• Pinyin: jì chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 继 = 纟(silk) + 断 simplified, meaning to continue; 承 = 手 (hand) holding up, meaning to receive/bear

Meaning

To inherit; to succeed to. Taking over property, position, or traditions from a predecessor.

Used for inheriting property, positions, traditions, or characteristics. In legal contexts, refers to succession of assets. Also used metaphorically for carrying on traditions, spirit, or legacy.

Examples

1. 他继承了父亲的公司，成为新一代的掌门人。 He inherited his father's company and became the new generation's head.
2. 我们要继承和发扬中华民族的优秀传统文化。 We must inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation.
3. 孩子继承了妈妈的音乐天赋，从小就展现出非凡的才能。 The child inherited mom's musical talent and has shown extraordinary ability since young.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, family, cultural, business

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 谁会继承这笔遗产？(Who will inherit this estate?)
• 我们应该继承先辈的精神。(We should carry on the spirit of our predecessors.)

Don't Say

• 我继承了他的书 (For casually receiving an item, use 拿到 or 得到 — 继承 implies formal succession)

Origin & History

Compound of 继 (to continue, succeed) + 承 (to receive, bear), meaning to receive and continue from predecessors.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal