血筋

• Reading: ちすじ
• Romaji: chisuji
• Kanji breakdown: 血 (chi/ketsu) — blood; 筋 (suji/kin) — line, thread, muscle
• Pronunciation: /t͡ɕi.sɯ.d͡ʑi/

Meaning

Lineage; bloodline; descent. Family heritage and traits passed down through blood relations.

A noun referring to ancestral lineage and the inherited characteristics that come with it. Implies that certain qualities — talent, temperament, physical traits — run in the family. Common in discussions about family background, heredity, and tradition. Related terms include 血統 (kettou, pedigree/bloodline, often used for animals) and 家系 (kakei, family line).

Examples

1. あの家は代々医者の血筋だと言われている。 That family is said to have a lineage of doctors going back generations.
2. 運動神経の良さは血筋に関係があるらしい。 Good athletic ability seems to run in the bloodline.
3. 血筋を大切にする考え方は今でも残っている。 The value placed on lineage still exists even today.

Usage Guide

Context: family, heritage, tradition

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From native Japanese: 血 (chi, blood) + 筋 (suji, line/thread). Literally 'blood line' — the thread of heredity running through generations.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal