Inheritance is the act of receiving something from a predecessor, whether it is material wealth or intangible values.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To receive property or rights from someone after they die.
- To continue or carry on a tradition or legacy.
- To succeed someone in a position or role.
1) 概述：继承是一个核心动词，涵盖了从物质遗产到精神财富的广泛传递过程。它不仅涉及法律上的财产转让，还体现了人类文明和家族血脉的延续。
2) 使用模式：“继承”常作为及物动词使用，后面直接跟宾语。例如“继承遗产”、“继承王位”或“继承传统”。在句法上，它通常带有“由谁继承”或“继承什么”的逻辑结构。
3) 常见语境：在法律语境下，它与“遗产”、“遗嘱”紧密相关；在历史或政治语境下，它常与“皇位”、“王位”或“政权”搭配；在文化与教育语境下，它指代对前人优秀思想、技术或艺术风格的接续。
4) 近义词辨析：“继承”与“承接”不同，“继承”侧重于身份、权利或遗产的合法转移，具有较强的正式色彩和法律意义；而“承接”则更侧重于动作的接续或任务的承担，适用范围更广，不一定涉及法律权利。
Examples
他继承了父亲的一笔遗产。
everydayHe inherited a fortune from his father.
新任领导将继承前任的政策。
formalThe new leader will inherit the policies of the predecessor.
我们要继承并发扬这种精神。
informalWe must inherit and carry forward this spirit.
该法律规定了继承人的顺序。
academicThe law stipulates the order of heirs.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
继承权
right of inheritance
法定继承
legal inheritance
继承衣钵
to carry on the mantle/legacy
Often Confused With
Refers to taking over a task or contract, not necessarily related to family property or status.
Specifically refers to taking over a job or official position, whereas '继承' has a broader scope including property.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is formal and carries a sense of duty or legal obligation. It is frequently used in both legal documents and cultural discussions. Avoid using it for simple tasks like 'picking up' an object.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it to mean 'to get' something from a friend, which is incorrect. It should be reserved for things passed down through time or hierarchy. Do not confuse it with '遗传' (which is strictly biological).
Tips
Focus on the object
Remember that '继承' is transitive. Always identify what is being inherited, such as money, traits, or traditions.
Legal vs. Casual usage
In legal contexts, it implies strict ownership transfer. In casual contexts, it can be used metaphorically for habits or personality.
Cultural importance of legacy
In Chinese culture, inheriting family values and traditions is often considered as important as inheriting physical assets.
Word Origin
The character '继' implies a continuous thread, while '承' depicts a person holding something up with both hands. Together, they represent the act of picking up and continuing a lineage or legacy.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, the concept of '继承' is tied to filial piety and the continuity of the family name. Failing to 'inherit' the family business or values is sometimes seen as a failure of duty.
Memory Tip
Think of '继' as 'following/continuing' and '承' as 'receiving'. Together, you follow and receive what was left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不一定。除了物质财产，继承还可以指继承优良传统、精神财富或职位。
“继承”通常指合法的、有先后顺序的传递，而“接受”的含义更广泛，指收到某物，不强调权利的转移。
通常不用。接手工作一般用“接任”或“负责”，除非该工作具有某种传承的意义。
继承人被称为“继承者”或“法定继承人”。
Test Yourself
他决定___父亲的事业，成为一名医生。
继承事业是固定搭配，表示接续前人的职业道路。
他___了爷爷留下的古董。
对于长辈留下的财产，使用“继承”最为准确。
我们 / 优良传统 / 应该 / 继承
主谓宾结构：我们（主）+应该继承（谓）+优良传统（宾）。
Score: /3
Summary
Inheritance is the act of receiving something from a predecessor, whether it is material wealth or intangible values.
- To receive property or rights from someone after they die.
- To continue or carry on a tradition or legacy.
- To succeed someone in a position or role.
Focus on the object
Remember that '继承' is transitive. Always identify what is being inherited, such as money, traits, or traditions.
Legal vs. Casual usage
In legal contexts, it implies strict ownership transfer. In casual contexts, it can be used metaphorically for habits or personality.
Cultural importance of legacy
In Chinese culture, inheriting family values and traditions is often considered as important as inheriting physical assets.
Examples
4 of 4他继承了父亲的一笔遗产。
He inherited a fortune from his father.
新任领导将继承前任的政策。
The new leader will inherit the policies of the predecessor.
我们要继承并发扬这种精神。
We must inherit and carry forward this spirit.
该法律规定了继承人的顺序。
The law stipulates the order of heirs.
