1.
legitimate son; male heir; eldest legitimate son
The eldest son born to the legal wife, who has the right of succession. A historical and legal term often encountered in discussions of Japanese feudal history, samurai families, and inheritance.
嫡男が家督を継いだ。
The legitimate son inherited the family headship.
殿様の嫡男は幼くして亡くなった。
The lord's legitimate heir died at a young age.
嫡男ではなく次男が藩主になるのは異例のことだった。
It was unusual for the second son rather than the legitimate heir to become the domain lord.
USAGE:
嫡男 is primarily a historical term associated with the Japanese feudal system, where the eldest son of the principal wife had the right of succession. It appears frequently in historical dramas, period novels, and discussions of samurai lineage.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 嫡男が家督を継ぐ (the heir inherits the headship)
- 嫡男として生まれる (to be born as the legitimate heir)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 長男: eldest son (modern, general usage)
- 嫡子: legitimate child (includes daughters)
- 跡継ぎ: successor, heir (general term)