遺言

• Reading: ゆいごん
• Romaji: yuigon
• Kanji breakdown: 遺 (yui/i) — leave behind, bequeath; 言 (gon) — words, speech
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.i.ɡoɴ/

Meaning

Will; testament; one's dying wish; last words. A document or statement expressing final wishes.

A noun (also used with する) with two readings: ゆいごん (general/legal usage for a written will) and いごん (strictly legal terminology). Refers to a person's final wishes regarding the distribution of their estate, or more broadly, their dying words or final message. Common patterns include 遺言を残す (to leave a will) and 遺言書 (written will/testament).

Examples

1. 祖母は遺言を書いて家族に残した。 My grandmother wrote a will and left it for the family.
2. 遺言書がないため相続の話し合いが難航している。 Because there is no written will, the discussion about inheritance is running into difficulties.
3. 父の遺言どおりに財産を分けることにした。 We decided to divide the estate according to my father's will.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, family, inheritance, death

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 遺 (yui/i, to leave behind/bequeath) + 言 (gon, words/speech). Literally 'words left behind,' referring to the final instructions or wishes a person leaves for those who survive them.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal