跡取(あとと)り

あととり
noun
heir; successor
1. heir; successor
A person who inherits and carries on a family business, household, or tradition. Emphasizes the continuation of a family line or enterprise rather than simply inheriting property.
長男(ちょうなん)が家(いえ)の跡取(あとと)りだ。
The eldest son is the heir to the family.
跡取(あとと)りがいなくて、店(みせ)を閉(し)めることになった。
With no successor, the shop had to close.
父(ちち)は私(わたし)に跡取(あとと)りとして旅館(りょかん)を継(つ)いでほしいと思(おも)っているが、私(わたし)は別(べつ)の道(みち)を歩(あゆ)みたい。
My father wants me to take over the inn as his successor, but I want to follow a different path.

Compound of 跡(あと) (trace, footsteps) + 取(と)り (taking). Literally "one who takes over the footsteps." Strongly associated with family businesses and traditional households.

In traditional Japanese society, the 跡取(あとと)り (usually the eldest son) was expected to inherit the family home, business, and responsibilities. This concept remains relevant today, especially for family-run businesses, farms, and traditional arts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 跡取(あとと)りがいない (there is no successor)
  • 跡取(あとと)り息子(むすこ) (heir son)
  • 跡取(あとと)り問題(もんだい) (succession problem)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 後継者(こうけいしゃ): successor (more formal, used for organizations and positions)
  • 相続人(そうぞくにん): legal heir (focuses on inheritance of property/assets)
general
Added 2026.2.28 18:23
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