1.
successor; heir
A person who takes over a position, role, business, or family line. Used for both familial inheritance and organizational succession.
跡継ぎがいない。
There is no successor.
長男が店の跡継ぎになった。
The eldest son became the successor to the shop.
社長の跡継ぎを早めに決めておかなければならない。
We need to decide on a successor for the president early.
Refers to a person who inherits or takes over a role, position, business, or family line. The nuance emphasizes continuity — the successor carries on what came before.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 跡継ぎがいない (there is no heir)
- 跡継ぎを探す (look for a successor)
- 跡継ぎを育てる (groom a successor)
- 跡継ぎ問題 (succession problem)
Often used when discussing family businesses, traditional crafts, or farms facing a shortage of young people willing to carry on. The spelling 後継ぎ is a more formal synonym used in corporate and political contexts.