承継・紹継|しょうけいshoukei[0]heiban (flat)

Common
Which spelling to use
承継承継 is the more common of the two written forms and the recommended choice for beginners.
紹継紹継 is a less common written form of the same word; learners will generally encounter 承継 more often.
Definitions
  1. noun, suru verb, transitive verbsuccession; accession; inheritance
Conjugation
Dictionary form承継する(しょうけいする)
Polite (masu)承継します(しょうけいします)
Negative (nai)承継しない(しょうけいしない)
polite (masen)承継しません(しょうけいしません)
classical zu / nu承継せず・承継せぬ(しょうけいせず・しょうけいせぬ)
Past (ta)承継した(しょうけいした)
polite (mashita)承継しました(しょうけいしました)
Past negative (nakatta)承継しなかった(しょうけいしなかった)
polite (masen deshita)承継しませんでした(しょうけいしませんでした)
Te form承継して(しょうけいして)
Potential承継できる(しょうけいできる)
Passive承継される(しょうけいされる)
Causative承継させる(しょうけいさせる)
Causative passive承継させられる(しょうけいさせられる)
Conditional (ba)承継すれば(しょうけいすれば)
tara承継したら(しょうけいしたら)
Volitional承継しよう(しょうけいしよう)
polite (mashou)承継しましょう(しょうけいしましょう)
Imperative承継しろ(しょうけいしろ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym譲り受けるゆずりうけるNeutralReceiving items or rights transferred from another party, between individuals or companies alike; 「承継」 is the legal succession of rights and duties.
  • Synonym受け継ぐうけつぐNeutralThe most general choice: inheriting traditions, a business, or traits such as character; unlike 「承継」 it does not stress a legal relationship.
  • SynonymつぐNeutralSucceeding to a family trade or the throne, as in 「家業を継ぐ」; leans toward taking over a predecessor's role.
  • Synonym継承けいしょうWrittenWritten style: carrying on systems, methods or culture, as in 「伝統の継承」; its focus is on handing down institutions and traditions more than on the legal side 「承継」 stresses.
  • Synonym相続そうぞくNeutralInheriting an estate and the accompanying rights and duties when a person dies, as in 「遺産相続」; common in everyday use as well.
  • Related相伝そうでんWrittenWritten style: transmission down through the generations, as in 「一子相伝」; leans toward secret techniques and arts.
  • Related相承そうしょうWrittenWritten style: passing learning down between master and disciple or parent and child; leans toward scholarship and Buddhist teachings.
  • Related継受けいじゅWrittenWritten term for inheriting and taking something over; used mainly in legal-history scholarship.

Use 「承継」 for legal succession of rights, duties, or a position, as in 「事業承継」「権利承継」. To carry on traditions, choose 「受け継ぐ」 or 「継承」; for inheriting an estate, 「相続」.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. 権利けんり、義務ぎむをうけつぐこと。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android