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B1 verb 10 min de lecture

継ぐ

tsugu

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 継ぐ en 30 secondes

Explication 継ぐ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to master '継ぐ' (tsugu) yet, as it's a bit more specific than basic verbs like 'to go' or 'to eat.' However, you can think of it as a special kind of 'receiving.' Imagine you have a toy, and you give it to your younger brother to keep forever. In a very simple way, your brother is 'tsugu'-ing that toy's place in the family. At this level, just remember that Japanese has special words for when things move from one person to another in a family. You might see the kanji 継 and notice it has the 'thread' radical on the left (糸). This is a great clue! Threads connect things together. So, 'tsugu' is about connecting the past person to the future person, like a long piece of string that never breaks. Even if you can't use it in a full sentence yet, recognizing that it means 'taking over' or 'following' is a great start. You might hear it in simple anime when a character says they will take over their family's restaurant. Just focus on the idea of 'next in line.'

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At the A2 level, you can start to use '継ぐ' (tsugu) in simple sentences about family and jobs. You probably know words like 'chichi' (father) and 'shigoto' (job). You can combine them: 'Chichi no shigoto o tsugimasu' (I will take over my father's job). This is a very common way to use the word. At this stage, you should learn the polite form 'tsugimasu' and the past tense 'tsuida.' Remember that it's a 'u-verb,' so the conjugation is a bit tricky. One easy way to remember the meaning is to think of the English word 'successor.' A successor is someone who 'tsugu's a position. In Japan, family businesses are very important, so you will see this word often when reading about Japanese culture. You might also see it in the context of 'ato o tsugu,' which means to follow someone's lead. If your big sister starts a club and then you become the leader after she leaves, you are 'tsugu'-ing her 'ato' (trace). It's a very useful word for talking about your future plans if they involve following a family tradition.

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As a B1 learner, you should be able to use '継ぐ' (tsugu) confidently in various contexts, particularly when discussing career paths, family traditions, and social issues. This is the level where you distinguish between 'tsugu' and its synonyms. You should understand that 'tsugu' is the general, multi-purpose verb for succession, while 'souzoku suru' is for legal inheritance and 'hikitsugu' is for professional handovers. You should also be familiar with the common phrase 'ato o tsugu' (跡を継ぐ). At B1, you might encounter discussions about Japan's aging population and the lack of people to 'tsugu' traditional crafts. This is a major social topic in Japan. You should also be able to use the potential form 'tsugeru' (can succeed) and the passive form 'tsugareru' (is succeeded by). For example, 'Kono dentou wa wakai sedai ni tsugareru beki da' (This tradition should be succeeded/carried on by the younger generation). You are now moving beyond just 'taking over a job' to the idea of 'preserving a legacy.'

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the nuanced and sometimes metaphorical uses of '継ぐ' (tsugu). This includes its physical meaning of 'joining' or 'patching,' as seen in 'Kintsugi' (golden joinery). You should understand how the concept of 'continuation' applies to both a family line and a broken bowl. Your vocabulary should also include more complex compounds like 'uketsugu' (to inherit and carry forward) and 'keishou suru' (to formally succeed). At B2, you should be able to discuss the nuances of '継ぐ' in literature or history, such as the succession of an Emperor or the passing of a poetic style. You should also be aware of the social pressure associated with 'tsugu' in Japan—the 'atotsugi' (successor) often faces significant expectations. You can use the word to describe abstract things, like 'inheriting a spirit' (ishii o tsugu) or 'following a philosophy.' Your sentences should now reflect the weight and responsibility that the word implies in a Japanese cultural context.

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At the C1 level, you are expected to have a near-native grasp of '継ぐ' (tsugu) and its place within the broader lexical field of succession and continuity. You should be able to use it effortlessly in formal speeches, academic writing, and deep cultural analysis. You will understand the subtle differences between 'tsugu,' 'tsunagu' (to connect), and 'tsuzuku' (to continue) in high-level prose. For instance, you might analyze how a novelist uses 'tsugu' to symbolize the inescapable burden of family history. You should also be familiar with archaic or highly formal uses, such as 'ato o tsugu' in the context of historical Shogunate succession. You can discuss the etymology of the kanji 継, noting how the 'thread' (糸) and 'judgment/yield' (𠂔) components combine to mean 'to continue a thread.' Your usage should include sophisticated structures like 'tsuide' to show sequence in a narrative sense. You are not just using a verb; you are manipulating a core cultural concept that touches on Shintoism, Confucianism, and modern Japanese sociology.

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At the C2 level, '継ぐ' (tsugu) is a tool you use with total precision and stylistic flair. You can distinguish between the different kanji variations sometimes used in historical or specialized contexts (like 継 vs 綴 vs 続 in classical texts). You understand how the concept of 'tsugu' integrates into the Japanese aesthetic of 'impermanence' (Mujo)—where things break but are 'tsugu'-ed to create something even more beautiful. You can engage in complex debates about the 'Atotsugi' crisis from economic, legal, and sociological perspectives, using terminology like 'jigyou shoukei' (business succession) alongside the more emotive 'tsugu.' You can interpret classical poetry or 'Haiku' where 'tsugu' might be used to describe the transition of seasons or the flow of a river. For you, 'tsugu' is no longer a vocabulary word; it is a fundamental thread in the tapestry of the Japanese language that you can weave into any conversation or piece of writing to evoke a sense of timelessness, duty, and the eternal human effort to keep the past alive in the present.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

継ぐ en 30 secondes

継ぐ means to succeed or inherit a role, business, or legacy from a predecessor.
It is commonly used in phrases like 'ato o tsugu' (follow in footsteps) and 'kagyou o tsugu' (take over family business).
Cultural significance: It reflects the Japanese value on lineage, continuity, and the 'Ie' (family) system.
Grammar: It is a transitive Godan verb with the past tense 'tsuida' and potential 'tsugeru'.

The Japanese verb 継ぐ (つぐ - tsugu) is a foundational concept in Japanese culture, representing the act of succession, inheritance, and the continuation of a legacy. At its core, it means to take over a position, a family business, a tradition, or even a physical object from a predecessor. In a society that deeply values lineage and the preservation of history, tsugu carries a weight of responsibility and respect. It is not merely about receiving something; it is about the active process of maintaining and carrying that thing into the future. Whether it is a son taking over his father's ramen shop or a princess ascending to a throne, the verb 継ぐ encapsulates the bridge between generations.

Primary Meaning: To succeed a person in a role, to inherit property or a business, or to follow in someone's footsteps. It implies a direct link from the past to the present.
Cultural Nuance: In Japan, the 'Ie' (family system) historically dictated that the eldest son would tsugu the family name and assets. While modern society is more flexible, the term still evokes a sense of duty toward one's ancestors and the preservation of 'Shinise' (long-standing businesses).
Physical Joining: While often abstract, it can also refer to the physical act of joining or patching things together, as seen in the art of Kintsugi (joining with gold), where broken pottery is repaired with precious metal.

彼は父親の跡を継ぐ決心をした。
(He decided to follow in his father's footsteps / succeed his father.)

When you use 継ぐ, you are often talking about a transition of power or ownership. It is frequently paired with the word ato (跡), meaning 'mark' or 'trace,' to form the phrase 跡を継ぐ (ato o tsugu). This specifically means to succeed someone or take over their position. Unlike the word souzoku suru (to inherit), which is a legal and technical term, 継ぐ feels more personal and narrative. It suggests a story of continuation. For example, if you inherit money from a distant relative you never met, you might use souzoku. But if you are taking over the family farm that has been in your family for five generations, 継ぐ is the word that conveys that deep emotional and historical connection.

長男が家業を継ぐのが日本の伝統だった。
(It was Japanese tradition for the eldest son to succeed the family business.)

In contemporary Japan, the word has taken on a bittersweet tone in discussions about the 'Atotsugi Mondai' (successor problem). Many traditional craft shops and small businesses are closing because there is no one to 継ぐ them. Younger generations are moving to cities and choosing different career paths, leaving the 'ato' (trace) of the business to fade away. Therefore, when someone says they will 継ぐ a business today, it is often seen as a brave and noble commitment to preserving culture against the tide of modernization.

伝統文化を次世代に継ぐために努力する。
(We strive to pass on traditional culture to the next generation.)

Using 継ぐ correctly requires understanding its transitivity and the typical nouns it pairs with. It is a transitive verb (他動詞), meaning it takes an object. The most common objects are roles, businesses, properties, and legacies. Because it is a Godan verb (Type 1), its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -gu, such as tsugu (dictionary), tsugimasu (polite), tsuide (te-form), and tsuida (past).

Pattern 1: [Noun] を継ぐ: The most direct usage. Used for businesses (家業), positions (職), or the throne (王位).
Example: 社長の椅子を継ぐ (To succeed the president's chair/position).
Pattern 2: 跡を継ぐ (Ato o tsugu): A very common idiomatic expression meaning to follow in someone's footsteps or take over their legacy. It is used when the specific 'thing' being inherited is the overall role or status of the predecessor.
Pattern 3: [Person] の後を継ぐ: Focuses on the person who is being replaced.
Example: 師匠の後を継いで、道場を守る (Following the master, I will protect the dojo).

彼女は若くして家を継いだ。
(She took over the family [headship] at a young age.)

One interesting aspect of 継ぐ is its use in the context of 'Kintsugi' or 'Tsugi-hagi'. When you 'patch' something, you are essentially 'continuing' the life of the object by adding a new piece to it. In this physical sense, 継ぐ means to join two things together. While a B1 learner will primarily use it for succession, knowing this physical 'joining' meaning helps understand why the kanji 継 (continuation) is used. It is about making things whole again across time or space.

兄が継がないなら、私が継ぎます。
(If my older brother won't take it over, I will.)

In formal writing, you might see the compound 引き継ぐ (hikitsugu). This is often used in work contexts to mean 'to hand over' or 'to take over' a specific task or project. While tsugu is about the overall role (becoming the CEO), hikitsugu is about the transition process itself (handing over the files). Understanding this distinction is key for professional Japanese. If you are inheriting a billion-dollar company, you tsugu the company. If you are taking over a client list from a coworker who is quitting, you hikitsugu the work.

王位を継ぐ者は、国民に愛されなければならない。
(The one who succeeds the throne must be loved by the people.)

In Japan, you will encounter 継ぐ in a variety of emotional and high-stakes settings. One of the most common places is in family dramas (ホームドラマ) or historical dramas (大河ドラマ). The plot often revolves around a conflict regarding who will 継ぐ the family fortune or the title of the head of the house. You'll hear phrases like 'お前がこの家を継ぐんだ！' (You are the one who will take over this house!). It carries a sense of destiny and duty that is central to many Japanese narratives.

Another frequent setting is in the news, particularly business news. Japan has more companies over 100 years old than any other country in the world. These are called 老舗 (Shinise). When a famous old shop in Kyoto finally finds a successor, the news might report, '老舗和菓子店の十代目を継ぐ' (Succeeding as the 10th generation head of a long-established Japanese sweets shop). Here, tsugu is a word of celebration and relief, signaling that a piece of history has been saved from extinction.

「君に私の跡を継いでほしいんだ。」
("I want you to follow in my footsteps.")

You will also hear it in the context of traditional arts like Tea Ceremony (Sado), Flower Arrangement (Kado), or Kabuki. In these worlds, the lineage is everything. A student might spend decades training just to be worthy to 継ぐ their master's name. This process of 'inheriting a name' is called Shuumei, but the verb tsugu is the action that makes it happen. It’s not just about the name; it’s about inheriting the skill, the spirit, and the secrets of the craft.

Lastly, you might hear it in more casual conversations about hobbies or minor family traditions. Even if it's just a small vegetable garden, a parent might say to their child, 'いつかはこの畑を継いでね' (Please take over this field someday). It shows that 継ぐ isn't just for kings and CEOs; it's for anyone who has something they've nurtured and wants to see continue after they are gone. It is a word that links the effort of the past to the hope of the future.

For English speakers, the biggest challenge with 継ぐ is distinguishing it from several other verbs that translate to 'continue,' 'follow,' or 'inherit.' Japanese has a very specific set of verbs for these actions, and using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence significantly. The most common confusion is between 継ぐ (tsugu) and 続く (tsuzuku).

継ぐ (Tsugu) vs. 続く (Tsuzuku): 継ぐ is a transitive verb focused on *succession* (Person A takes over from Person B).
続く is usually intransitive and means something *continues* (The rain continues, the road continues). You don't 'tsugu' a road; you 'tsugu' a family name.
継ぐ (Tsugu) vs. 相続する (Souzoku suru): 相続する is a formal, legal term. You use it for taxes, wills, and legal ownership of assets. 継ぐ is more about the role and the legacy. You 'souzoku' 1 million yen, but you 'tsugu' the family business.
継ぐ (Tsugu) vs. 繋ぐ (Tsunagu): 繋ぐ means to 'connect' or 'link' things physically or metaphorically (holding hands, connecting a call). While tsugu is a type of connection across time, tsunagu is a connection across space or between two current points.

❌ 彼は雨を継いだ。
✅ 彼は仕事を継いだ。
(He didn't 'inherit' the rain; he inherited/took over the job.)

Another mistake is the particle usage. Students often want to use 'from' (kara), but in Japanese, the focus is on the object being taken over. You say Kagyou o tsugu (inherit the business). If you want to mention the person, you usually use no ato o (the mark/trace of...). Saying Chichi kara tsugu is understandable but less natural than Chichi no ato o tsugu.

Finally, remember that 継ぐ is a 'u-verb' (Godan). A common mistake is conjugating it like a 'ru-verb' (Ichidan), resulting in 'tsugiru' or 'tsugita.' The correct past tense is 継いだ (tsuida). The 'g' in 'tsugu' becomes 'id' in the past tense, just like oyogu (swim) becomes oyoida.

To truly master 継ぐ, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in register and nuance. Depending on whether you are in a boardroom, a law office, or a casual conversation, you might choose a different word to describe the act of taking something over.

継承する (Keishou suru): Formal/Academic: This is the Sino-Japanese (Kango) version of tsugu. It is used in formal documents, news reports about the Imperial family, or when talking about inheriting cultural heritage. It sounds much more professional and abstract.
引き継ぐ (Hikitsugu): Business/Practical: Focuses on the 'handover' process. If a colleague is retiring and gives you their files, you are hikitsugu-ing their work. It implies a transition of specific tasks rather than a life-long legacy.
受け継ぐ (Uketsugu): Emotional/Abstract: Means to 'receive and carry on.' This is often used for inheriting a spirit, a philosophy, or a tradition. It has a very positive, proactive nuance. 'Inheriting the spirit of the founder' would use uketsugu.
譲る (Yuzuru): Giving side: This is the perspective of the person *giving up* the position. It means to hand over, yield, or transfer. If you 'yuzuru' your seat to someone, you are giving it to them. In business, it means to transfer ownership.

彼は祖父の遺志を受け継いだ。
(He carried on his grandfather's dying wishes.)

When comparing 継ぐ to 相続 (souzoku), think of it this way: Souzoku is what you do at the tax office. Tsugu is what you do at the shop entrance, greeting the customers that your father used to greet. One is a transfer of assets; the other is a transfer of identity and continuity. If you are writing a story about a young woman becoming the master of a traditional sword-making forge, use 継ぐ to emphasize her journey and the weight of the hammer she now holds.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji 継 contains the radical for thread (糸). This is because in ancient times, the most literal form of 'continuing' or 'joining' was seen in weaving and spinning thread, where new fibers are added to an existing strand to keep it going.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tsuːɡuː/

US /tsuɡu/

Pitch accent: Atamadaka (High-Low). The first syllable 'tsu' is high, and 'gu' drops down.

Rime avec

脱ぐ (nugu - to undress) 漕ぐ (kogu - to row) 研ぐ (togu - to sharpen/wash rice) そぐ (sogu - to chip off) 繋ぐ (tsunagu - to connect) 防ぐ (fusegu - to prevent) 仰ぐ (aogu - to look up) 稼ぐ (kasegu - to earn)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su' (missing the 't' sound).
Over-rounding the 'u' sounds like 'two-goo'. In Japanese, 'u' is more compressed.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'tsugu' (to pour/接ぐ), which may have different patterns depending on dialect.
Failing to voice the 'g' clearly, making it sound like 'tsuku' (to arrive/attach).
Using an English 'r' sound if they misread it as 'tsuru'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The kanji 継 is common but has many strokes. Recognizing it in compounds like 継続 is key.

Écriture 4/5

Writing the kanji 継 requires attention to the thread radical and the right-hand side balance.

Expression orale 2/5

The verb is easy to say, but the pitch accent must be correct to distinguish it from other 'tsugu' meanings.

Écoute 3/5

Needs to be distinguished from 'tsuzuku' or 'tsunagu' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

父 (chichi) 仕事 (shigoto) 店 (mise) 後 (ato) 続ける (tsuzukeru)

Apprends ensuite

相続 (souzoku) 継承 (keishou) 伝統 (dentou) 老舗 (shinise) 譲る (yuzuru)

Avancé

家督 (katoku) 世襲 (seshuu) 名跡 (meiseki) 後継 (koukei) 金継ぎ (kintsugi)

Grammaire à connaître

Godan Verb Conjugation (gu)

継ぐ (dictionary), 継いだ (past), 継がない (negative), 継げば (conditional).

Transitive Verbs with を

家業を継ぐ (The object of succession is marked by 'o').

Potential Form (eru)

彼は店を継げる (He can take over the shop).

Passive Form (areru)

伝統が若者に継がれる (Tradition is carried on by the youth).

Causative Form (aseru)

父は私に跡を継がせた (Father made me take over).

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Exemples par niveau

お兄さんは家を継ぎます。

My older brother will take over the house.

Simple present tense of 'tsugu'.

だれが継ぎますか？

Who will take it over?

Question form using 'dare' (who).

私は店を継ぎません。

I will not take over the shop.

Negative form 'tsugimasen'.

父の仕事を継ぎたいです。

I want to take over my father's job.

Desiderative form '-tai' (want to).

これを継いでください。

Please take this over.

Request form using 'te-form' + kudasai.

彼は跡を継いだ。

He followed in the footsteps (took over).

Past tense 'tsuida'.

家業を継ぐのは大変です。

Taking over the family business is hard.

Using 'no wa' to make the verb a subject.

妹が後を継ぎます。

My younger sister will follow after.

Using 'ato o' for succession.

彼は二十歳で父の跡を継ぎました。

He took over his father's position at age twenty.

Specifying age with 'de'.

だれもこの店を継ぐ人がいません。

There is no one to take over this shop.

Relative clause: 'tsugu hito' (person who takes over).

伝統的な技術を継いでいきたい。

I want to keep carrying on traditional techniques.

Using '-te ikitai' to show future continuation.

社長の後を継ぐのはだれですか？

Who is the one succeeding the president?

Noun phrase 'shachou no ato o tsugu no'.

彼は家業を継ぐために戻ってきた。

He came back in order to take over the family business.

Using 'tame ni' to show purpose.

兄が継がないので、私が継ぎます。

Since my brother won't take it over, I will.

Using 'node' for reason/cause.

おじいさんの畑を継ぐことにした。

I decided to take over my grandfather's field.

Using 'koto ni shita' to indicate a decision.

この名前を継ぐのは光栄です。

It is an honor to inherit this name.

Using 'no wa' with an adjective 'kouei' (honor).

長男として、彼は家を継ぐ義務があると感じている。

As the eldest son, he feels an obligation to take over the house.

Using 'toshite' (as) and 'gimu' (obligation).

彼は師匠の跡を継いで、立派な職人になった。

He followed in his master's footsteps and became a fine craftsman.

Connecting clauses with 'te-form'.

この古い旅館を継ぐ人が見つかってよかった。

I'm glad a person to take over this old inn was found.

Using 'te yokatta' to express relief.

彼女は親の遺志を継いで、医者になる道を選んだ。

Following her parents' dying wishes, she chose the path of becoming a doctor.

Using 'ishi' (wishes/will) as the object.

王位を継ぐ者は、多くの責任を負わなければならない。

The one who succeeds the throne must bear many responsibilities.

Using 'nakereba naranai' (must).

この町では、若者が家業を継ぐことが少なくなっている。

In this town, it's becoming rare for young people to take over family businesses.

Using 'koto ga sukunaku natte iru'.

彼は叔父の財産を継いだが、すぐに使い果たした。

He inherited his uncle's fortune but spent it all quickly.

Using 'ga' to show contrast.

伝統を継ぐことは、過去と未来を繋ぐことだ。

To inherit tradition is to connect the past and the future.

Nominalizing verbs with 'koto'.

その老舗の十代目を継ぐという重圧は、計り知れない。

The pressure of succeeding as the tenth generation of that long-established shop is immeasurable.

Using 'to iu' to define the noun 'juuatsu' (pressure).

彼は前任者の意志を継ぎつつ、新しい改革を進めた。

While carrying on the predecessor's intentions, he pushed forward with new reforms.

Using 'tsutsu' to show simultaneous actions.

壊れた器を金で継ぐ「金継ぎ」の美しさに感動した。

I was moved by the beauty of 'Kintsugi,' where broken vessels are joined with gold.

Using 'tsugu' in its physical sense of joining.

彼は誰にも跡を継がせず、一代で店を閉めるつもりだ。

He intends to close the shop in one generation, without letting anyone succeed him.

Causative negative form 'tsugasazu'.

次の世代に負の遺産を継がせてはならない。

We must not let the next generation inherit a negative legacy.

Causative form 'tsugasete' + 'wa naranai'.

彼は名門校の伝統を継ぐにふさわしい人物だ。

He is a person worthy of carrying on the tradition of the prestigious school.

Using 'ni fusawashii' (worthy of/appropriate for).

歴史の重みを継ぐ覚悟が、彼にはできていた。

He was prepared to inherit the weight of history.

Using 'kakugo ga dekite iru' (to be prepared/resolved).

創業者の精神を継ぎ、顧客第一の姿勢を貫く。

Succeeding the founder's spirit, we will maintain a customer-first attitude.

Using the stem form 'tsugi' as a conjunction (formal).

血脈を継ぐことだけが、一族の存続を意味するわけではない。

Simply inheriting the bloodline does not necessarily mean the survival of the clan.

Using 'wake dewa nai' for partial negation.

彼は先代の遺志を継ぐべく、あえて困難な道を選んだ。

In order to carry on the predecessor's wishes, he dared to choose a difficult path.

Using 'beku' (in order to/with the intention of).

文化の継承は、単に形式を継ぐことではなく、その魂を継ぐことである。

Cultural succession is not merely about inheriting forms, but about inheriting the soul.

Using 'de wa naku... koto de aru' for strong contrast.

彼は政治的な地盤を継ぐことで、若くして議席を獲得した。

By inheriting a political base, he secured a seat in parliament at a young age.

Using 'de' to indicate means/method.

伝統芸能の家元を継ぐという宿命を、彼は静かに受け入れた。

He quietly accepted the fate of succeeding as the head of a traditional performing arts school.

Using 'shukumei' (fate/destiny).

その理論は、かつての巨匠たちの研究を継ぐ形で発展してきた。

That theory has developed in a way that carries on the research of former masters.

Using 'tsugu katachi de' (in a way that succeeds).

彼は父の莫大な負債までも継がざるを得なかった。

He had no choice but to inherit even his father's enormous debts.

Using 'zaru o enakatta' (had no choice but to).

名を継ぐという行為には、個人のアイデンティティを捨てる側面もある。

The act of succeeding a name also has an aspect of discarding one's individual identity.

Using 'sakumen' (aspect/side).

万葉の歌心を現代に継ぐ試みが、各所で行われている。

Attempts to carry the poetic spirit of the Man'yoshu into the present day are being made in various places.

Using 'utagokoro' (poetic spirit).

彼は、近代建築の系譜を継ぐ異端の建築家として知られている。

He is known as an unorthodox architect who carries on the lineage of modern architecture.

Using 'keifu' (lineage/genealogy).

断絶の危機に瀕した伝統を、彼は独力で継ぐ決意を固めた。

He solidified his resolve to single-handedly carry on a tradition that was on the verge of extinction.

Using 'krisis ni hinshita' (on the verge of crisis).

物語のバトンを継ぐように、作家たちは互いに影響を与え合ってきた。

Like passing a baton in a story, writers have influenced each other across time.

Simile using 'youni' (like/as if).

王朝の血を継ぐ末裔としての矜持が、彼の言動に現れている。

His pride as a descendant inheriting royal blood is evident in his words and actions.

Using 'kyouji' (pride/dignity) and 'matsuei' (descendant).

師の教えを継ぐことは、単なる模倣ではなく、創造的な解釈を伴うべきだ。

Inheriting a teacher's lessons should not be mere imitation, but should involve creative interpretation.

Using 'tomonau' (to involve/accompany).

彼は敗者の無念を継ぎ、その汚名をそそぐために立ち上がった。

He took up the lingering resentment of the losers and rose to clear their name.

Using 'munen' (regret/resentment) and 'omei o sosogu' (clear one's name).

生命の連鎖を継ぐという根源的な営みに、私たちは参加している。

We are participating in the fundamental activity of carrying on the chain of life.

Using 'kongenteki' (fundamental/root).

Collocations courantes

跡を継ぐ

家業を継ぐ

王位を継ぐ

名を継ぐ

意志を継ぐ

職を継ぐ

代を継ぐ

財産を継ぐ

後を継ぐ

血を継ぐ

Phrases Courantes

家を継ぐ

— To take over the family headship or the family home. It implies becoming the primary person responsible for the family's continuity.

彼は長男として家を継ぐ覚悟だ。

商売を継ぐ

— To take over a business or trade. Often used for small shops or family-run enterprises.

息子が私の商売を継いでくれた。

看板を継ぐ

— Literally 'to inherit the sign/shingle.' Metaphorically means to take over the reputation and brand of a shop.

老舗の看板を継ぐのは並大抵のことではない。

遺志を継ぐ

— To carry out the dying wishes or the unfulfilled will of a predecessor.

私たちは彼の遺志を継いで、この活動を続けます。

伝統を継ぐ

— To carry on a tradition, craft, or custom passed down through generations.

若い世代がこの伝統を継ぐことが重要だ。

後釜を継ぐ

— To fill a vacancy; to step into someone's shoes (sometimes with a slightly informal or replacement nuance).

退職した課長の後釜を継ぐ。

店を継ぐ

— To take over a shop or restaurant.

彼女はイタリアで修行して、実家の店を継いだ。

流れを継ぐ

— To follow a certain trend, style, or lineage of thought.

その建築家は、ル・コルビュジエの流れを継いでいる。

名前を継ぐ

— To inherit a name, either a family name or a professional title.

彼は三代目としてその名前を継いだ。

魂を継ぐ

— To inherit the spirit or core essence of something.

師匠の技術だけでなく、その魂を継ぎたい。

Souvent confondu avec

継ぐ vs 続く (tsuzuku)

Tsuzuku is intransitive (something continues). Tsugu is transitive (someone takes over something).

継ぐ vs 繋ぐ (tsunagu)

Tsunagu is to connect things (like hands or wires). Tsugu is to succeed a role or patch an object.

継ぐ vs 次 (tsugi)

Tsugi is a noun/adjective meaning 'next.' Tsugu is the verb meaning 'to succeed/follow.'

Expressions idiomatiques

"跡を継ぐ"

— To succeed someone in their position or follow in their footsteps. The most standard idiom for succession.

息子に跡を継がせるのが夢だった。

Neutral

"後を継ぐ"

— Identical to '跡を継ぐ', often used interchangeably to mean succeeding a predecessor.

彼女は部長の後を継いでプロジェクトを指揮した。

Neutral

"家督を継ぐ"

— To succeed to the headship of a family (historical/formal).

彼は二十歳で家督を継いだ。

Formal/Historical

"名跡を継ぐ"

— To succeed to a famous professional name (in arts like Rakugo or Kabuki).

彼はついに大きな名跡を継ぐことになった。

Formal/Artistic

"遺志を継ぐ"

— To carry on the will of the deceased.

父の遺志を継いで、平和のために働く。

Neutral/Respectful

"血脈を継ぐ"

— To carry on the bloodline.

一族の血脈を継ぐ唯一の男子。

Formal/Literary

"精神を継ぐ"

— To inherit the spirit or philosophy.

私たちは創業者の精神を継いでいます。

Formal/Business

"衣鉢を継ぐ"

— To inherit someone's mantle or secret teachings (originally from Buddhism).

彼は師匠の衣鉢を継ぐ唯一の弟子だ。

Literary/Formal

"系譜を継ぐ"

— To belong to a certain lineage or genealogy of thought.

この作品は古典文学の系譜を継いでいる。

Academic/Literary

"バトンを継ぐ"

— To take over the baton (metaphorical for taking over a task or role).

次の世代にバトンを継ぐ時期が来た。

Informal/Metaphorical

Facile à confondre

継ぐ vs 注ぐ (tsugu)

Homophones (same reading).

注ぐ (tsugu) means to pour (liquid). It is written with a different kanji. Context usually makes it clear.

お酒を注ぐ (pour sake) vs 跡を継ぐ (succeed).

継ぐ vs 接ぐ (tsugu)

Same reading and similar meaning of 'joining'.

接ぐ (tsugu) is specifically for physical grafting or joining pieces. Often interchangeable in 'Kintsugi' but '継ぐ' is more common for succession.

木を接ぐ (graft a tree).

継ぐ vs 紡ぐ (tsumugu)

Similar sound and 'thread' imagery.

紡ぐ (tsumugu) means to spin thread from raw materials. Metaphorically used for weaving a story, whereas 継ぐ is about continuing a line.

糸を紡ぐ (spin thread).

継ぐ vs 告ぐ (tsugu)

Homophone.

告ぐ (tsugu) is a very formal/literary way of saying 'to tell' or 'to announce.' Very rare in daily life.

友に告ぐ (To tell a friend).

継ぐ vs 突く (tsuku)

Similar sound.

突く (tsuku) means to poke, stab, or strike. It has a completely different meaning.

杖を突く (use a cane).

Structures de phrases

[Person] の後を継ぐ

父の後を継ぎます。

[Noun] を継ぐ決心をする

家業を継ぐ決心をしました。

[Noun] を継ぐ人がいない

この店を継ぐ人がいません。

[Noun] を継ぐにふさわしい

彼は跡を継ぐにふさわしい人物だ。

[Noun] を継ぐという重圧

名を継ぐという重圧を感じる。

[Noun] を継ぐべく努力する

遺志を継ぐべく努力している。

[Noun] を継がざるを得ない

借金を継がざるを得なかった。

[Noun] を継ぐ末裔として

王の血を継ぐ末裔としての誇り。

Famille de mots

Noms

跡継ぎ (atotsugi - successor)

継承 (keishou - succession)

後継者 (koukeisha - successor)

中継 (chuukei - relay/broadcast)

Verbes

受け継ぐ (uketsugu - to inherit/carry on)

引き継ぐ (hikitsugu - to take over duties)

乗り継ぐ (noritsugu - to change planes/trains)

言い継ぐ (iitsugu - to pass on by word of mouth)

Adjectifs

継続的な (keizokuteki na - continuous)

継ぎ接ぎの (tsugihagi no - patched/pieced together)

Apparenté

相続 (souzoku - legal inheritance)

伝統 (dentou - tradition)

系譜 (keifu - genealogy)

血筋 (chisuji - bloodline)

二代目 (nidaime - second generation head)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High, especially in discussions about family, business, and tradition.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'tsuzuku' instead of 'tsugu' for succession. → 彼は父の跡を継いだ。
Tsuzuku means something continues on its own. Tsugu means a person takes it over.
Conjugating as 'tsugita' for past tense. → 継いだ (tsuida).
Godan verbs ending in 'gu' change to 'ida' in the past tense.
Using 'tsugu' for physical connections like wires. → 線を繋ぐ (tsunagu).
Tsunagu is for physical or metaphorical links; tsugu is for succession or patching.
Using 'tsugu' for inheriting small personal items. → もらう (morau) or 引き継ぐ.
Tsugu is usually for roles, businesses, or lineages, not just getting a watch from a friend.
Confusing 'tsugu' (inherit) with 'tsugu' (pour). → Context dependent.
Ensure you use the correct kanji (継 vs 注) in writing.

Astuces

Particle Choice

Always use 'を' for the thing being inherited. Don't forget that '継ぐ' is transitive.

The 'Ie' System

Remember that 'tsugu' is deeply tied to the historical Japanese family system where the family line is paramount.

Compound Power

Learn 'uketsugu' and 'hikitsugu' alongside 'tsugu' to cover 90% of succession contexts.

Thread Radical

Associate the thread radical (糸) with the idea of a continuous line that isn't broken during succession.

Pitch Accent

In standard Japanese, the pitch drops after the first syllable: TSU-gu.

Formal Writing

In professional emails about leaving a job, use 'gyoumu o hikitsugu' (handing over duties).

Context Clues

If you hear 'ato' or 'kagyou,' the verb following is almost certainly 'tsugu'.

Shinise News

Read articles about 'Shinise' (old shops) to see 'tsugu' used in real-world success stories.

Future Plans

Use 'tsugu tsumori' when talking about your intentions to follow a family path.

The Relay Race

Think of 'tsugu' as the moment a baton is passed in a relay race. The race (tradition) continues.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Tsu'-nami of 'Gu'-ds (goods) being passed down from your father to you. You are the one who has to catch them and keep the line moving.

Association visuelle

Imagine a long silk thread (the 糸 radical) being held by an old man and passed into the hands of a young man. The thread never breaks; it just changes hands.

Word Web

Succession Inherit Family Business Lineage Legacy Thread Next Generation Kintsugi

Défi

Try to find three 'Shinise' (old shops) online and write a sentence for each about who might **tsugu** them in the future.

Origine du mot

The word 'tsugu' comes from Old Japanese. It is believed to be related to the root 'tsuku' (to attach/stick), reflecting the idea of one thing being attached to the end of another to make it longer or continuous.

Sens originel : To join things together; to make something continuous by adding a new piece.

Japonic family.

Contexte culturel

Be aware that in modern Japan, the pressure to **tsugu** a family business can be a source of stress for young people who wish to pursue different careers.

In English, we often say 'take over' or 'follow in footsteps.' 'Inherit' is usually reserved for money or traits, whereas 'tsugu' covers roles and businesses more broadly.

The movie 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' deals with Jiro's sons preparing to **tsugu** his legendary restaurant. The concept of 'Kintsugi' (joining with gold) has become a popular metaphor in Western self-help for healing. Kabuki actors like Ichikawa Ebizo (now Danjuro) are famous for the ceremonies where they **tsugu** their ancestors' stage names.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Family Business

家業を継ぐ
二代目を継ぐ
店を継ぐ
跡継ぎがいない

Monarchy/Leadership

王位を継ぐ
社長の跡を継ぐ
地位を継ぐ
跡目争い

Tradition/Culture

伝統を継ぐ
師匠の跡を継ぐ
技を継ぐ
名を継ぐ

Legacy/Will

遺志を継ぐ
精神を継ぐ
思いを継ぐ
バトンを継ぐ

Physical Repair

茶碗を継ぐ
布を継ぎ合わせる
継ぎ木をする
金継ぎ

Amorces de conversation

"将来、ご両親の仕事を継ぐ予定はありますか？ (Do you plan to take over your parents' job in the future?)"

"日本の伝統的なお店を継ぐことについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about inheriting a traditional Japanese shop?)"

"もし王位を継ぐことになったら、まず何をしますか？ (If you were to succeed to the throne, what would you do first?)"

"あなたの家族の中で、代々継がれているものはありますか？ (Is there anything in your family that has been passed down through generations?)"

"「跡を継ぐ」という言葉から、どんな責任を感じますか？ (What kind of responsibility do you feel from the phrase 'following in footsteps'?)"

Sujets d'écriture

もし自分が老舗の十代目だったら、どんなプレッシャーを感じるか書いてみましょう。 (Write about the pressure you would feel if you were the 10th generation head of a long-established shop.)

自分が誰かの「遺志を継ぐ」としたら、それは誰のどんな思いですか？ (If you were to carry on someone's 'dying wish,' whose would it be and what would it be?)

家業を継ぐことのメリットとデメリットについて考えてみてください。 (Think about the pros and cons of taking over a family business.)

日本の「跡継ぎ問題」を解決するためには、何が必要だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to solve Japan's 'successor problem'?)

自分が次の世代に継ぎたい「価値観」や「教え」は何ですか？ (What 'values' or 'lessons' do you want to pass on to the next generation?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but 'souzoku suru' is more common for the legal act of inheriting money. 'Tsugu' implies you are also taking on the responsibilities of the family.

'Tsugu' is the basic verb for succession. 'Uketsugu' adds the nuance of 'receiving' (ukeru) and then carrying on. It sounds more proactive and emotional.

Not necessarily. You can 'tsugu' debts (fusai) or a negative legacy, though it's most often used for businesses and traditions.

The most natural way is '跡を継ぐ' (ato o tsugu).

Yes, in the sense of 'patching' or 'joining' them, as in 'Kintsugi' (repairing pottery with gold).

'Chichi no ato o tsugu' is much more common and natural in Japanese.

It is a standard word. For very formal situations, 'keishou suru' is preferred.

It's better to use 'hikitsugu' (handover) for specific work tasks or projects.

'Atotsugi' is the noun form, meaning 'successor' or 'heir' to a house or business.

It is 'tsuida' (継いだ). The 'gu' changes to 'ida'.

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