相続

• Reading: そうぞく
• Romaji: souzoku
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (sou) — mutual, each other; 続 (zoku) — continue, follow
• Pronunciation: /soː.zo.kɯ/

Meaning

Succession; inheritance. The act of receiving property, rights, or a position from a predecessor.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (相続する). Primarily used in legal and family contexts for inheriting property, assets, or titles. Common compounds include 相続人 (heir), 相続税 (inheritance tax), 相続権 (right of inheritance). More formal than もらう for receiving inherited items.

Examples

1. 祖父の土地を相続することになった。 It was decided that I would inherit my grandfather's land.
2. 相続税の計算が複雑で困っている。 I'm struggling because the inheritance tax calculation is complicated.
3. 兄弟三人で財産を相続した。 The three siblings inherited the estate.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, family, finance

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 相 (sou, mutual/each other) and 続 (zoku, to continue). Together, 'continuing from one another' — the passing of assets or status across generations.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal