传承

• Pinyin: chuán chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 传 = 亻 (person) + 专 (special, phonetic) = to transmit; 承 = hands receiving something from above = to inherit

Meaning

To inherit and pass on; inheritance; heritage. The continuation of traditions, skills, or culture across generations.

Emphasizes both receiving from predecessors and passing to successors. Central to discussions of cultural preservation, traditional crafts, and intangible heritage. Common in contexts of Chinese traditional culture.

Examples

1. 非物质文化遗产的传承面临着严峻的挑战。 The preservation of intangible cultural heritage faces severe challenges.
2. 他是这门手艺的第四代传承人。 He is the fourth-generation inheritor of this craft.
3. 我们有责任把优秀的传统文化传承下去。 We have a responsibility to pass on excellent traditional culture.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, tradition, heritage

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 中医药的传承需要几十年的学习。(The inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine requires decades of study.)
• 这项技艺已经传承了五百年。(This craft has been passed down for five hundred years.)

Don't Say

• 我传承了他的手机 (传承 is for culture, skills, or traditions — for inheriting physical items, use 继承)

Origin & History

Compound of 传 (to pass on, transmit) and 承 (to receive, inherit). Together they capture the dual action of receiving and passing forward.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal