How to say "heritage" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

世襲せしゅうCommon
suru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveRefers to heredity — a position, title, or status passed down from parent to child within a family. For 'heritage' in the cultural or legacy sense, it is seldom the word you want.
歌舞伎界かぶきかいでは才能さいのうだけでなく世襲せしゅうも重要じゅうようだ。↗
In Kabuki not only talent but also heredity counts.
遺産いさんCommon
nounThe word to use for 'heritage' in the cultural or natural sense; it also covers inheritance and bequest — property left behind when someone dies — and legacy more generally.
彼かれは莫大ばくだいな遺産いさんを受け継うけついだ。↗
He inherited a great fortune.

Use 遺産 for 'heritage' meaning a cultural or natural legacy, and for inheritance or legacy generally; 世襲 means heredity or hereditary succession and is seldom the right word for 'heritage'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

世襲せしゅうheredity
遺産いさんinheritance
相続財産そうぞくざいさんinheritance
嗣業しぎょうGod's gift (esp. the promised land)
世襲財産せしゅうざいさんhereditary property

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