跡継ぎ

• Reading: あとつぎ
• Romaji: atotsugi
• Kanji breakdown: 跡 (ato/seki) — trace, footsteps, remains; 継 (tsugi/kei) — inherit, succeed, continue
• Pronunciation: /a.to.tsɯ.ɡi/

Meaning

Heir; inheritor. A person who succeeds to a family business, estate, or position.

A noun referring to someone designated to carry on a family line, business, or tradition. Strongly associated with Japanese cultural concepts of family succession, particularly for family-run businesses (家業), temples, and traditional arts. Unlike the broader English 'heir,' 跡継ぎ emphasizes continuity of role and responsibility rather than merely receiving wealth.

Examples

1. 長男が家業の跡継ぎに決まった。 It was decided that the eldest son would take over the family business.
2. この旅館は跡継ぎがいなくて閉館するらしい。 Apparently this inn is closing because there's no one to take it over.
3. 父は私に跡継ぎになってほしいと思っている。 My father wants me to be his successor.

Usage Guide

Context: family, business, tradition

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 跡 (ato, trace/footsteps) + 継ぎ (tsugi, from 継ぐ, to succeed/inherit). Literally 'one who follows in the footsteps' — the person who takes over after the predecessor.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal