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B2 noun #9,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

遺言

yuigon Top 9,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 遺言 en 30 secondes

Explication 遺言 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that **遺言 (yuigon)** means 'last words' or a 'will.' It is a very serious word used when someone is dying or has died. You might hear it in movies when a character says something important before they pass away. Think of it as 'The words (言) someone leaves (遺) behind.' In simple Japanese, you can think of it as 'Saigo no kotoba' (the last words). You don't need to worry about the legal rules yet. Just remember that it's a noun. For example: 'Father's yuigon' (Chichi no yuigon). It's not a word you use every day with your friends. If you want to leave a simple note for a friend, use 'dengon' instead. 'Yuigon' is only for the very end of life. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you understand the plot of many Japanese stories and dramas where a family is looking for a secret message from a grandparent.

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At the A2 level, you can start using **遺言 (yuigon)** in basic sentences. You should know the phrase **遺言を残す (yuigon o nokosu)**, which means 'to leave a will.' This is a very common pattern. You might also see **遺言書 (yuigonsho)**, which is the physical paper or document. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between a 'will' (yuigon) and a 'message' (dengon). If you say 'yuigon' by mistake when you just mean a phone message, people will be very surprised or worried! Practice saying 'Yuigon o kakimashita' (I wrote a will) in a role-play about a lawyer. Also, remember the reading is 'yuigon.' The first kanji '遺' is also used in 'wasureru' (to forget) in some contexts, but here it means 'to leave behind.' It's a useful word for talking about family history or the plot of a book you are reading.

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By B1, you should understand the social context of **遺言 (yuigon)** in Japan. Japan is an aging society, so 'Shuukatsu' (preparing for death) is a common topic. People write 遺言 (yuigon) to prevent their children from fighting over money. You should be able to use the word with particles like **によれば (ni yoreba)**: 'Yuigon ni yoreba...' (According to the will...). You should also know the difference between **遺言 (yuigon)** and **遺書 (isho)**. Remember: 'yuigon' is usually about money, property, and formal wishes. 'Isho' is a personal, emotional letter, often written in sad circumstances. At this level, you can describe a scene: 'The lawyer read the yuigon to the family.' (Bengoshi ga kazoku ni yuigon o yomikaeta). You are also expected to recognize the word in news articles about famous people who have passed away and left their fortune to charity.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the legal and formal nuances of **遺言 (yuigon)**. You should know that it can be read as **igon** in legal settings. You should be familiar with collocations like **遺言を執行する (yuigon o shikkou suru)**, meaning 'to execute a will.' You should understand the different types of wills in Japan, like the **公正証書遺言 (koushou shousho yuigon)**, which is a will made with a notary. At this level, you can use the word to discuss complex social issues, such as how the lack of a valid 遺言 (yuigon) leads to legal battles (相続争い - souzoku arasoi). You should also be able to use the word metaphorically, such as 'the founder's yuigon to the company' (though 'ikun' might be better, 'yuigon' is sometimes used for dramatic effect). Your ability to use 'yuigon' correctly shows a high level of cultural and legal literacy in Japanese.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the legal requirements for a **遺言 (yuigon)** to be valid under the Japanese Civil Code (Minpou). This includes the necessity of a date, a signature, and a seal (hanko) for a holograph will (自筆証書遺言). You should be able to discuss the concept of **遺留分 (iryuubun)**—the legally reserved portion of an estate that heirs are entitled to regardless of what the 遺言 (yuigon) says. You should be able to read and understand legal documents or advanced literature where yuigon is a central theme. You should also be aware of the historical evolution of the word, from its roots in Buddhist traditions to its current legal status. In conversation, you can use the term to analyze the motivations of characters in complex narratives or to discuss the ethics of estate planning in a rapidly aging society. Your vocabulary should include related technical terms like **遺言執行者 (yuigon shikkousha - executor)** and **検認 (kennin - probate/verification)**.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of **遺言 (yuigon)** and its place in the Japanese legal system and cultural history. You can navigate the most complex legal disputes involving the validity of a will, such as cases where the 'testamentary capacity' (遺言能力) of the deceased is questioned due to dementia. You understand the subtle rhetorical differences between using **yuigon**, **isho**, and **ikun** in high-level literature or academic writing. You can discuss the philosophical implications of a 'digital yuigon' in the modern era. You are familiar with landmark court cases that redefined how 遺言 (yuigon) is interpreted in Japan. Whether you are translating a legal contract, writing a scholarly article on Japanese sociology, or engaging in a debate about inheritance tax, you use 'yuigon' with precision, taking into account its legal weight, its emotional resonance, and its historical baggage. You can even explain the nuances of the 'igon' reading and when it is stylistically appropriate to use it over 'yuigon'.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

遺言 en 30 secondes

遺言 (yuigon) refers to a person's last will and testament or final wishes expressed before death, primarily used for legal and asset distribution purposes.
Commonly paired with the verb 'nokosu' (to leave), it is a formal word used in legal, medical, and serious family contexts in Japan.
It differs from 'isho' (emotional farewell note) and 'dengon' (casual message), focusing instead on legal validity and the orderly transfer of legacy.
In Japan's aging society, preparing a 'yuigon' is a key part of 'Shuukatsu' (end-of-life planning) to prevent family disputes over inheritance.

The Japanese word 遺言 (read as yuigon, or sometimes igon in strictly legal contexts) carries a weight that spans both the legalistic and the deeply emotional. At its core, it refers to the final wishes expressed by a person before their death, most commonly manifested as a 'Last Will and Testament.' However, unlike the English word 'will,' which often implies a cold, dry legal document, yuigon can also encompass the final oral instructions or spiritual legacies left to family members. In the Japanese cultural consciousness, leaving a yuigon is seen as a final act of responsibility, ensuring that one's transition from the world of the living does not cause 'meiwaku' (trouble or inconvenience) for those left behind. It is a word that appears frequently in legal discussions, hospital dramas, and literature dealing with family legacies and inheritance.

Legal Definition: A formal declaration of intent regarding the disposal of property and the care of dependents after death, governed by the Japanese Civil Code.
Emotional Context: The final words or 'last message' shared with loved ones to provide closure, guidance, or express hidden feelings.
Kanji Breakdown: 遺 (i/nokosu) meaning 'bequeath' or 'leave behind' and 言 (gon/koto) meaning 'word' or 'speech.' Together, 'words left behind.'

祖父は、家族全員が集まった時に静かに遺言を伝えた。
(My grandfather quietly shared his last wishes when the whole family was gathered.)

In modern Japan, the concept of 'Shuukatsu' (preparing for one's end) has become a popular social trend. This involves writing a yuigonsho (遺言書 - a written will) long before one is ill. This proactive approach is encouraged to prevent the 'souzoku arasoi' (inheritance disputes) that are a common trope in Japanese television. When you hear this word in a news report, it usually refers to the legal validity of a document. In a movie, it often refers to a climactic moment where a secret is finally revealed. Understanding yuigon requires recognizing that it sits at the intersection of law and love.

正当な遺言がなければ、法律に従って財産が分配される。
(Without a valid will, assets are distributed according to the law.)

Historically, yuigon were often oral, but the Meiji Civil Code formalized the requirements for written wills. Today, there are three main types in Japan: the '自筆証書遺言' (holograph will written by hand), the '公正証書遺言' (notarial will), and the '秘密証書遺言' (secret will). Each has specific rules regarding seals (hanko) and witnesses. If a yuigon is found after someone passes away, it often must be 'opened' in a family court to ensure its authenticity, a process known as 'ken-nin'.

彼は遺言の中で、長年世話になった友人に感謝の言葉を綴った。
(In his will, he wrote words of gratitude to the friend who had taken care of him for many years.)

Finally, it is important to distinguish yuigon from isho (遺書). While both are translated as 'will' or 'last note,' isho is typically associated with suicide notes or letters written by soldiers before battle—documents that are purely emotional and have no legal standing regarding property. Yuigon is the term for the orderly, legal, and socially sanctioned distribution of one's legacy.

Using 遺言 correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs that indicate the action being taken with the will. The most common verb is nokosu (残す - to leave), creating yuigon o nokosu. This is used when someone creates a will before passing away. If someone is speaking their final words, we use ii-nokosu (言い残す) or simply suru (遺言する). In legal contexts, you will encounter verbs like shikkou suru (執行する - to execute) or mukou ni suru (無効にする - to invalidate).

Standard Usage: 遺言を残す (To leave a will). This is the most versatile and common phrase.
Legal Usage: 遺言を執行する (To execute a will). Used by lawyers or executors (遺言執行者).
Physical Object: 遺言書 (A written will). Used when referring to the actual piece of paper.

弁護士は、亡くなった主人の遺言を読み上げた。
(The lawyer read out the deceased master's will.)

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the particles. Use o (を) for the object of the action (leaving/reading/executing) and ni yoreba (によれば) when citing the contents of the will. For example, Yuigon ni yoreba... (According to the will...). If you are describing the act of making a will, you can use yuigon o kaku (to write a will) for a personal context, or yuigon o sakusei suru (to prepare a will) for a more formal or professional context.

父の遺言に従って、家は売却されることになった。
(In accordance with my father's will, it was decided that the house would be sold.)

In more advanced sentences, you might see yuigon modified by adjectives like yuukou na (有効な - valid) or futoomei na (不透明な - unclear/ambiguous). Because wills are often contested in Japan, sentences often revolve around the validity or the discovery of the document. For instance: Atarashii yuigon ga mitsukatta (A new will was found). This simple structure can lead to complex legal implications.

彼は死の間際に、短い遺言を言い残した。
(On the verge of death, he left a short final message.)

Finally, remember that yuigon is almost always used in the context of death. Using it for a simple message left when going to the grocery store would be highly inappropriate and potentially alarming to the recipient. For everyday messages, use 伝言 (dengon) instead.

You will encounter 遺言 in several distinct spheres of Japanese life. The most common is in legal and financial institutions. Banks and law firms in Japan frequently hold seminars on yuigon and souzoku (inheritance) for the elderly. If you walk past a 'Koushou Yakuba' (Notary Public Office), you will see signs advertising services for koushou shousho yuigon. These are the formal, legally airtight versions of wills that are increasingly popular as the Japanese population ages.

TV & Media: Detective dramas (like 'Aibou' or 'Keisatsu 24-ji') often feature a disputed will as the motive for a crime.
Literature: Classical novels often use 'yuigon' to set up a mystery or to show the final character development of a patriarch.
News Reports: Reports on the deaths of famous figures often mention whether they left a will and what its contents were.

テレビドラマでは、遺言の内容が物語の鍵となることが多い。
(In TV dramas, the contents of a will often become the key to the story.)

Another place you will hear this word is in hospitals or care facilities. Medical professionals and social workers might discuss yuigon when talking about 'End of Life' care. This isn't just about money; it's about the patient's wishes for their funeral or their desire for life-prolonging treatment. In this context, it is treated with extreme sensitivity and respect. You might hear a nurse say, Gohonnin no yuigon o sonchou shimashou (Let's respect the individual's final wishes).

最近では、若いうちから遺言を準備する人も増えている。
(Recently, the number of people preparing a will from a young age has been increasing.)

Finally, in daily conversation among adults, the word might come up when discussing family politics or the future of an aging parent. It is a serious word, usually spoken in a lowered voice. If someone says, Yuigon o kaite morawanaito (We need to have them write a will), it implies a practical concern about the logistics of death. It is rarely used jokingly, as death remains a somber subject in Japanese etiquette.

弁護士事務所の看板には「遺言・相続の相談」と書かれていた。
(The law office sign said 'Consultations for Wills and Inheritance'.)

In summary, yuigon is a word of transition. It is the bridge between the world of the living and the legacy of the dead, heard in the quiet rooms of hospitals, the sterile offices of lawyers, and the dramatic living rooms of fictional families.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 遺言 is confusing it with 遺書 (isho). While both can be translated as 'will,' their usage is strictly divided by context. Yuigon is the formal, legal, and standard term for a last will and testament or final wishes regarding assets. Isho, on the other hand, is used for suicide notes or highly emotional letters written by someone who knows they are about to die (such as a soldier or a terminal patient). Using isho when you mean a legal will can sound much darker and more tragic than intended.

Mistake 1: Yuigon vs Isho: Using 'isho' for a lawyer-drafted document. Correct: 'yuigonsho'.
Mistake 2: Yuigon vs Dengon: Using 'yuigon' for a casual 'message' or 'voicemail'. Correct: 'dengon'.
Mistake 3: Pronunciation: Confusing 'yuigon' with 'yuigen' or other similar sounds. It must be 'gon'.

❌ 彼は弁護士に遺書を渡した。
✅ 彼は弁護士に遺言書を渡した。
(Correction: He handed the legal will to the lawyer, not a suicide note.)

Another mistake involves the verb choice. Some learners try to use yuigon o tsukuru (to make a will), which isn't technically wrong but sounds a bit childish. The more natural, adult way to say it is yuigon o nokosu (to leave a will) or yuigon o sakusei suru (to prepare/draw up a will). If you are referring to the act of speaking the will, ii-nokosu is the proper compound verb. Using yuigon o iu (to say a will) sounds clunky and unnatural.

❌ ちょっと遺言を残してくるね。
✅ ちょっと伝言を残してくるね。
(Correction: 'I'll leave a message' for a friend, not 'I'll leave a will' before going out.)

Finally, be careful with the reading. While igon is used in legal circles, using it in casual conversation might make you sound like you are trying too hard or that you are a specialist. Stick to yuigon for 99% of situations. Also, ensure you don't confuse the kanji 遺 (leave behind) with 違 (different). Igon (遺言) is a will; igon (違言) is a rare word for 'breaking a promise' or 'contradicting oneself'. The kanji matter!

❌ 彼は遺言を話した。
✅ 彼は遺言を言い残した。
(Correction: 'He left his final words' is more natural than 'He spoke his will'.)

In summary: Yuigon is legal and planned. Isho is tragic and emotional. Dengon is for grocery lists and phone calls. Get these three straight, and you will navigate these sensitive topics like a pro.

While 遺言 is the standard term, there are several related words that offer different nuances or are used in specific contexts. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most prominent alternative is 遺書 (isho), which we've discussed as the emotional counterpart. But there are also more formal or archaic terms used in literature or specialized legal fields.

遺書 (Isho): Focuses on the personal message. Often associated with 'farewell notes'. No legal power over property.
遺訓 (Ikun): The 'teachings' or 'precepts' left by a deceased person, often a founder of a company or a clan leader. It's about moral guidance.
遺言状 (Yuigonjou): An older or more literary term for 'yuigonsho' (written will). You'll find this in 19th-century novels.

創業者の遺訓は、今でも会社の経営理念となっている。
(The founder's dying precepts still serve as the company's management philosophy.)

In a legal context, you might also hear 遺贈 (izou), which specifically refers to the act of bequeathing property to someone who is not a legal heir. While yuigon is the overall 'will,' izou is the 'bequest' itself. Another related term is 死因贈与 (shi-in zouyo), which is a 'gift effective upon death.' This is a contract made while alive, whereas a yuigon is a unilateral declaration of intent.

彼は遺言によって、全財産を慈善団体に遺贈した。
(Through his will, he bequeathed his entire estate to a charity.)

For those looking for a more modern or colloquial way to describe 'final words' without the heavy legal baggage, you might see 最後の言葉 (saigo no kotoba) or ラストメッセージ (rasuto messeeji). These are used in casual storytelling or pop culture. However, if any legal weight is involved, yuigon remains the undisputed king of the vocabulary. Even in anime, when a character is about to die and says something important, the subtitles or subsequent discussion will often refer to those words as their yuigon.

「これが僕の遺言だ」と彼は冗談めかして言った。
('This is my final will,' he said jokingly.)

In summary, choose yuigon for the standard legal/formal context, isho for a tragic farewell note, ikun for a legacy of wisdom, and izou for the specific act of giving away assets. Having this spectrum of words allows you to describe the end of a life with precision and cultural sensitivity.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient Japan, oral wills were very common and carried great spiritual weight, as the words of the dying were believed to have special power (kotodama).

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈjuː.i.ɡɒn/

US /ˈju.i.ɡɑn/

In Japanese, there is no strong stress accent like in English. Each syllable (Yu-i-go-n) has equal length, but a slight pitch drop often occurs after 'i'.

Rime avec

Suigon (水言 - rare) Kaigon (開眼 - specialized) Raigon (来迎 - Buddhist term) Daigon (代言 - old term for lawyer) Saigon (the city) Icon (English) Bygone (English) Polygon (English)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'gon' as 'gan' (like 'gun').
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Reading it as 'yuigen' instead of 'yuigon'.
Merging 'yui' into a single 'yui' sound like 'we'. It should be two distinct beats: Yu-i.
Forgetting the final 'n' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

The kanji '遺' is N2/B2 level and can be tricky to write.

Écriture 4/5

Requires precision in kanji strokes.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is simple, but social timing is difficult.

Écoute 3/5

Easy to recognize in formal contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

死 (Death) 言葉 (Words) 残す (To leave) 家族 (Family) 法律 (Law)

Apprends ensuite

相続 (Inheritance) 遺産 (Legacy) 執行 (Execution) 公正証書 (Notary) 認知症 (Dementia)

Avancé

遺留分 (Reserved portion) 検認 (Probate) 遺贈 (Bequest) 包括遺贈 (Universal legacy)

Grammaire à connaître

〜によれば (According to...)

遺言によれば、彼は満足していたようだ。

〜に従って (In accordance with...)

遺言に従って、庭に木を植えた。

〜に基づいて (Based on...)

遺言に基づいた法的な手続き。

〜をめぐって (Concerning/Over...)

遺言をめぐって争いが起きた。

〜た瞬間に (The moment...)

遺言を読み終えた瞬間に、雨が降り出した。

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Exemples par niveau

おじいさんの遺言を聞きました。

I heard my grandfather's last words.

Uses the object marker 'o' with the verb 'kikimashita' (heard).

これは父の遺言です。

This is my father's will.

Simple A is B structure using 'desu'.

遺言はどこにありますか？

Where is the will?

Uses the location question 'doko ni arimasu ka'.

彼は遺言を残しませんでした。

He did not leave a will.

Negative past tense of 'nokosu' (to leave).

遺言を書いてください。

Please write a will.

Te-form + kudasai (polite request).

母の遺言は短かったです。

My mother's last words were short.

Adjective 'mijikai' in the past tense 'mijikakatta'.

遺言を読みます。

I will read the will.

Future/Present tense of 'yomu' (to read).

大切な遺言があります。

There is an important will.

Adjective 'taisetsu na' modifying 'yuigon'.

祖母は遺言書を金庫に入れました。

My grandmother put her will in the safe.

Uses 'ni' to show the destination of the action.

遺言の内容を知っていますか？

Do you know the contents of the will?

Uses 'naiyou' (contents) and 'shitte imasu ka' (do you know).

彼は死ぬ前に遺言を言い残した。

He left his last words before he died.

Uses the compound verb 'ii-nokosu' (to leave words behind).

遺言に従って葬式を行いました。

We held the funeral according to the will.

Uses 'ni shitagatte' (in accordance with).

その遺言は偽物かもしれません。

That will might be a fake.

Uses 'kamoshiremasen' to express possibility.

遺言を準備するのは大切なことです。

Preparing a will is an important thing.

Nominalizes the verb 'junbi suru' with 'no'.

弁護士が遺言を預かっています。

The lawyer is keeping the will.

Uses 'azukaru' (to keep/take charge of).

遺言に私の名前がありました。

My name was in the will.

Uses 'ni' to show location within the document.

父の遺言によれば、この家は兄のものです。

According to my father's will, this house belongs to my brother.

Uses 'ni yoreba' to cite a source of information.

遺言を書き直す必要があります。

It is necessary to rewrite the will.

Uses 'verb stem + naosu' (to do again/redo).

彼は家族に内緒で遺言を作成した。

He prepared a will in secret from his family.

Uses 'naisho de' (in secret).

遺言が見つからないと、トラブルになります。

If the will isn't found, there will be trouble.

Uses the 'to' conditional for natural consequences.

遺言で全財産を寄付すると決めた。

I decided in my will to donate all my assets.

Uses 'to kimeta' (decided to).

その遺言には日付がありませんでした。

There was no date on that will.

Highlighting a requirement for legal validity.

彼は最後の遺言として感謝を伝えた。

He conveyed his gratitude as his final will.

Uses 'toshite' (as/in the capacity of).

遺言を執行するために、弁護士を呼びました。

We called a lawyer to execute the will.

Uses 'tame ni' to show purpose.

遺言の有効性をめぐって、裁判が行われた。

A trial was held concerning the validity of the will.

Uses 'o megutte' (concerning/surrounding).

公正証書遺言なら、紛失の心配がありません。

If it's a notarial will, there's no worry about losing it.

Uses 'nara' conditional for suggestions/hypotheticals.

彼は認知症になる前に、遺言を済ませておいた。

He finished making his will before getting dementia.

Uses 'te oku' (to do in advance).

遺言の解釈をめぐり、兄弟が対立している。

The brothers are in conflict over the interpretation of the will.

Uses 'kaishaku' (interpretation) and 'tairitsu' (conflict).

自筆証書遺言は、すべて手書きでなければならない。

A holograph will must be entirely handwritten.

Uses 'nakereba naranai' (must).

遺言執行者に指定されたのは、親友だった。

The one designated as the executor was his best friend.

Uses the passive 'shitei sareta' (was designated).

遺言には法的拘束力がある。

The will has legal binding force.

Uses 'houteki kousokuryoku' (legal binding force).

彼は遺言で、特定の人物を相続から除外した。

In his will, he excluded a specific person from inheritance.

Uses 'jogai shita' (excluded).

遺言能力の有無が、今回の訴訟の争点となっている。

Whether or not there was testamentary capacity is the point of contention in this lawsuit.

Uses 'umu' (presence or absence) and 'souten' (point of contention).

遺言によって遺留分を侵害することはできない。

It is not possible to infringe upon the legally reserved portion through a will.

Uses 'shingai suru' (infringe) and 'koto wa dekinai' (cannot).

秘密証書遺言は、内容を秘密にしたまま存在を証明できる。

A secret will allows one to prove its existence while keeping the contents secret.

Uses 'mama' (remaining in a state).

遺言の検認手続きを家庭裁判所で行う。

The probate process for the will is conducted at the family court.

Uses 'kennin' (probate/verification).

遺言者が亡くなった瞬間に、遺言の効力が発生する。

The moment the testator dies, the will's effect is triggered.

Uses 'shunkan ni' (at the moment) and 'kouryoku ga hassei suru' (effect occurs).

不備のある遺言は、法的に無効とされる恐れがある。

There is a risk that a flawed will may be deemed legally invalid.

Uses 'osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk that).

遺言信託を利用して、死後の財産管理を銀行に任せる。

Using a testamentary trust, one leaves post-death asset management to a bank.

Uses 'shintaku' (trust) and 'makaseru' (entrust).

遺言には、付言事項として家族へのメッセージを添えられる。

A message to the family can be added to the will as supplementary remarks.

Uses 'fugen jikou' (supplementary remarks).

民法第960条は、遺言の方式について厳格な規定を設けている。

Article 960 of the Civil Code establishes strict regulations regarding the methods of making a will.

Uses 'kitei o moukeru' (to establish regulations).

遺言の自由という原則と、遺族の生活保障のバランスが問われる。

The balance between the principle of freedom of testament and the guaranteed livelihood of the bereaved is questioned.

Uses 'gensoku' (principle) and 'balance ga towareru' (balance is questioned).

公証役場での遺言作成は、将来の紛争を未然に防ぐ有効な手段だ。

Creating a will at a notary office is an effective means to prevent future disputes before they happen.

Uses 'mizen ni fusegu' (prevent before it happens).

遺言の撤回は、いつでも自由に行うことができる。

The revocation of a will can be performed freely at any time.

Uses 'tekkai' (revocation/withdrawal).

共同遺言は、日本の法律では禁止されており、無効となる。

Joint wills are prohibited under Japanese law and are considered invalid.

Uses 'kyoudou yuigon' (joint will).

遺言の文言が不明瞭な場合、遺言者の真意を推認する必要がある。

If the wording of a will is ambiguous, it is necessary to infer the testator's true intention.

Uses 'fumeryou' (ambiguous) and 'suinin' (inference/presumption).

デジタル遺言の法的有効性については、現在も議論が続いている。

Discussions regarding the legal validity of digital wills are still ongoing.

Uses 'giron ga tsuzuite iru' (discussions are continuing).

遺言による認知は、死後に子供との親子関係を確定させる。

Acknowledgment of a child through a will establishes a parent-child relationship after death.

Uses 'ninchi' (acknowledgment of paternity).

Collocations courantes

遺言を残す

遺言を執行する

遺言を作成する

遺言に従う

遺言を読み上げる

遺言の有効性

遺言執行者

自筆証書遺言

遺言を書き換える

遺言が見つかる

Phrases Courantes

遺言を言い残す

— To leave behind final spoken words or instructions.

彼は「家族を頼む」と遺言を言い残した。

遺言通りに

— Exactly as stated in the will.

遺言通りに財産を分けた。

遺言の内容

— The specific contents or details of a will.

遺言の内容は秘密にされている。

遺言の準備

— The process of preparing a will.

早めに遺言の準備を始める。

遺言の効力

— The legal power or validity of a will.

その遺言の効力は疑わしい。

遺言書を預かる

— To take custody of or keep a written will.

銀行が遺言書を預かっている。

遺言を尊重する

— To respect and honor someone's last wishes.

故人の遺言を尊重すべきだ。

遺言を無効にする

— To render a will legally invalid.

裁判で遺言を無効にした。

遺言の検認

— The court process of verifying a will.

遺言の検認には時間がかかる。

遺言を託す

— To entrust someone with one's final wishes.

親友に遺言を託した。

Souvent confondu avec

遺言 vs 遺書 (Isho)

Isho is an emotional farewell note (often associated with suicide or war); Yuigon is a legal/formal will.

遺言 vs 伝言 (Dengon)

Dengon is a casual everyday message; Yuigon is only for the end of life.

遺言 vs 遺言 (Igon)

Actually the same word, but 'igon' is used specifically in legal jargon.

Expressions idiomatiques

"遺言を盾に取る"

— To use a deceased person's will as an excuse or justification to get one's way.

彼は遺言を盾に取って、勝手な行動をしている。

Negative/Critical

"死人に口なし"

— Dead men tell no tales; used when someone claims a deceased person said something in a will that cannot be proven.

遺言があったと言い張るが、死人に口なしだ。

Cynical

"墓場まで持っていく"

— To take a secret to the grave; often the opposite of leaving a yuigon.

その秘密は遺言にも書かず、墓場まで持っていく。

Informal

"後の祭"

— Too late; often said when a will is found after property has already been distributed.

今さら遺言が見つかっても、後の祭りだ。

Idiomatic

"身を削る"

— To sacrifice oneself; often used to describe the effort put into a final legacy or yuigon.

彼は身を削って、家族のために遺言を完成させた。

Literary

"一筆啓上"

— A brief note; sometimes used ironically for a very short yuigon.

一筆啓上、これが私の遺言だ。

Old-fashioned

"草葉の陰で"

— From beyond the grave; used when hoping the deceased is happy with how their yuigon was followed.

遺言が守られて、父も草葉の陰で喜んでいるだろう。

Poetic

"骨を埋める"

— To settle down permanently; often mentioned in a yuigon regarding burial place.

遺言には、この地に骨を埋めたいとあった。

Traditional

"血を分けた"

— Blood-related; used in disputes over a yuigon among relatives.

血を分けた兄弟が遺言で争うのは悲しい。

Serious

"意を汲む"

— To understand and sympathize with someone's intent, especially in a will.

遺言の言葉の裏にある、父の意を汲み取る。

Formal

Facile à confondre

遺言 vs 遺留分

Both start with '遺' and relate to death.

Yuigon is the will; Iryuubun is the legal minimum portion heirs must get regardless of the will.

遺言があっても、遺留分は守られる。

遺言 vs 遺産

Both relate to what is left behind.

Yuigon is the 'words/will'; Isan is the 'assets/property' themselves.

遺言で遺産の分け方を決める。

遺言 vs 遺族

Sounds similar and relates to death.

Yuigon is the 'will'; Izoku is the 'bereaved family'.

遺族が遺言を読む。

遺言 vs 遺言状

Almost identical.

Yuigon is the concept/spoken will; Yuigonjou is a slightly old-fashioned term for the physical document.

古い遺言状を整理する。

遺言 vs 遺言執行者

Longer compound.

Yuigon is the will; Yuigon Shikkousha is the person (executor) who carries it out.

弁護士を遺言執行者にする。

Structures de phrases

[Person] は [Noun] という遺言を残した。

父は「仲良くしろ」という遺言を残した。

遺言によれば、[Clause] そうだ。

遺言によれば、家を売るつもりだったそうだ。

遺言を [Verb-Standard] 必要がある。

遺言を書き直す必要がある。

遺言の [Noun] をめぐって [Result]。

遺言の有効性をめぐって裁判になった。

これは [Person] の遺言です。

これは母の遺言です。

遺言通りに [Action]。

遺言通りに寄付しました。

遺言を執行するために [Step]。

遺言を執行するために書類を集める。

遺言の自由という原則に基づき [Action]。

遺言の自由という原則に基づき、遺贈を行う。

Famille de mots

Noms

遺言書 (yuigonsho - written will)

遺言執行者 (yuigon shikkousha - executor)

遺言能力 (yuigon nouryoku - testamentary capacity)

遺言者 (yuigonsha - testator)

Verbes

遺言する (yuigon suru - to make a will)

言い残す (ii-nokosu - to leave words behind)

遺贈する (izou suru - to bequeath)

Apparenté

相続 (souzoku - inheritance)

遺産 (isan - legacy/estate)

遺族 (izoku - bereaved family)

終活 (shuukatsu - end-of-life planning)

公正証書 (koushou shousho - notarial deed)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in news, legal, and elderly care contexts; rare in casual youth talk.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'isho' for a legal will. → 遺言書 (yuigonsho)
Isho is for suicide notes or emotional letters; yuigon is for legal property distribution.
Saying 'yuigon o suru' for a phone message. → 伝言を残す (dengon o nokosu)
Yuigon is only for death-related final wishes.
Reading the kanji as 'yuigen'. → 遺言 (yuigon)
The correct reading for 'words' in this compound is 'gon'.
Thinking 'yuigon' is only for money. → 遺言 (yuigon)
It can also include funeral wishes or personal final messages to family.
Writing 'yuigon' with the wrong 'i' kanji. → 遺言 (yuigon)
Don't use '違' (different) or '意' (intent). Use '遺' (leave behind).

Astuces

Verb Pairing

Always pair 'yuigon' with 'nokosu' (leave) or 'sakusei suru' (create) for natural speech.

Shuukatsu

Mentioning 'yuigon' in the context of 'Shuukatsu' makes you sound very culturally aware of modern Japan.

Kanji Meaning

The '遺' in 'yuigon' also appears in 'wasureru' (to forget) in some contexts, but think of it as 'bequeath' here.

Hanko

In Japan, a 'yuigon' is not valid without the testator's seal (hanko). A signature alone is often not enough.

Dengon vs Yuigon

Never use 'yuigon' for a casual message. It implies you are dying.

Pitch Accent

Keep the pitch flat to sound more natural. Don't stress the 'gon'.

Context Clues

If you see 'yuigon' in a novel, expect a plot twist or a family secret to be revealed.

Sensitivity

Avoid asking people if they have a 'yuigon' unless you are very close or in a professional setting.

Stroke Order

Practice the stroke order of '遺' carefully; the 'shin-nyuu' (road) radical comes last.

Compound Words

Listen for 'yuigonsho' (the document) specifically in news reports.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'YUI' (joining/connecting) and 'GON' (words). A 'Yuigon' connects the dead to the living through words.

Association visuelle

Imagine an old Japanese scroll with a red 'hanko' seal sitting on a dark wooden table in a quiet room.

Word Web

Death Lawyer Money Family Signature Seal Message Legacy

Défi

Try to write a 'mock yuigon' for your favorite fictional character in Japanese, using '遺言を残す' and '遺言によれば'.

Origine du mot

The word 遺言 comes from Middle Chinese roots. The first character '遺' (i) originally meant to lose or leave behind, and later evolved to mean bequeathing. The second character '言' (gon/gen) means words or speech.

Sens originel : To leave words behind for those who remain after one's death.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Be extremely careful when using this word around the elderly or in hospitals; it can be very distressing if not used in a professional or necessary context.

In English-speaking countries, wills are often drafted by lawyers early in life. In Japan, it was traditionally seen as 'bad luck' to talk about death, but this is changing rapidly.

The 'Last Will and Testament' of Ieyasu Tokugawa (Toshogu Shrine). Mishima Yukio's final letters (often called isho, but discussed as yuigon). The movie 'Ikiru' by Akira Kurosawa, which deals with legacy.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Law Office

遺言書の作成をお願いします。
遺言の有効性を確認したい。
遺言執行者は誰ですか？
公正証書遺言にしたい。

Hospital

遺言を言い残されましたか？
ご本人の遺言を尊重します。
最後に遺言はありますか？
遺言を書きたいそうです。

Family Meeting

遺言が見つかりました。
遺言の内容に納得できない。
父の遺言に従いましょう。
遺言はどこにある？

Bank

遺言信託の相談です。
遺言書を預けたいのですが。
口座凍結と遺言について。
遺言のコピーはありますか？

Television Drama

衝撃の遺言内容！
隠された遺言書。
遺言を書き換えた犯人。
これが最後の遺言だ。

Amorces de conversation

"日本での遺言の書き方を知っていますか？"

"最近、終活で遺言を準備する人が増えているそうですよ。"

"もし遺言を書くなら、何を残したいですか？"

"ドラマで遺言が原因で喧嘩するシーン、よく見ますよね。"

"遺言と遺書の違い、説明できますか？"

Sujets d'écriture

もし今日が人生最後の日だとしたら、どんな遺言を残しますか？

日本の「終活」という文化についてどう思いますか？遺言は必要だと思いますか？

あなたが読んだ本や見た映画の中で、印象的だった遺言はありますか？

遺産相続で家族が揉めないために、遺言以外に何ができるでしょうか？

「言葉を残す」ということの意味について考えてみてください。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it can be spoken (oral will), but for it to be legally binding in Japan, it usually needs to be written down according to strict rules in the Civil Code, especially in non-emergency situations.

The main difference is legal weight and emotional tone. 'Yuigon' is formal and deals with assets. 'Isho' is emotional and often associated with tragic circumstances like suicide.

No, 'igon' is just an alternative reading of '遺言' used primarily by legal professionals. In daily life, everyone says 'yuigon'.

If there is no will, the estate is divided among legal heirs (like spouse and children) according to the rules of 'statutory inheritance' (法定相続) defined in the Civil Code.

In Japan, a standard holograph will (自筆証書遺言) must be entirely handwritten by the testator to be valid, although recent laws allow the 'list of assets' part to be typed.

You don't *need* one for a handwritten will, but it is highly recommended to ensure it meets all legal requirements and won't be invalidated later.

It is a will created at a Notary Public Office. It is the most secure type because the original is kept by the office, preventing loss or tampering.

Yes, you can rewrite or revoke your will at any time as long as you have the mental capacity to do so. The newest will always takes precedence.

It means to 'execute the will,' which involves distributing the property, paying debts, and following all instructions written in the document.

With a rapidly aging population, 'yuigon' is essential to prevent family disputes and ensure that assets like family homes are passed down smoothly.

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