1.
second generation; successor; the second to hold a title or position
The second person to hold a particular name, title, or leadership position, especially in family businesses, traditional arts, or hereditary roles. Composed of 二 (two) + 代目 (generation-counter).
二代目が店を継いだ。
The second-generation owner took over the shop.
彼は二代目社長として会社を大きくした。
As the second-generation president, he grew the company.
この老舗は二代目の時代に全国的に名が知られるようになった。
This long-established shop became nationally known during the second generation's era.
USAGE:
二代目 can be used on its own to refer to the successor, or before a title: 二代目社長 (second-generation president). The pattern extends to other numbers: 三代目 (third generation), 初代 (the first/founding generation). In traditional performing arts like 歌舞伎, stage names are inherited across generations.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 二代目社長 (second-generation company president)
- 二代目を継ぐ (succeed as the second generation)
- 二代目が店を継ぐ (the successor takes over the shop)
RELATED TERMS:
- 初代 refers to the founder or first holder of a title.
- 三代目 is the third generation.
- 跡継ぎ is a general term for successor or heir.