1.
third generation; third in succession
The third person to hold a position, carry on a family business, or inherit a tradition.
彼はこの店の三代目だ。
He is the third-generation owner of this shop.
三代目の社長が会社を大きくした。
The third-generation president grew the company.
この蕎麦屋は三代目が伝統の味を守り続けている。
At this soba restaurant, the third-generation owner continues to preserve the traditional flavor.
Composed of 三 (three) + 代目 (ordinal suffix for generations or successions). Commonly used for family businesses, traditional arts, and performing arts lineages in Japan.
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japanese business culture, multi-generational family businesses are highly respected. There is a well-known saying: 売り家と唐様で書く三代目 — roughly meaning the third generation squanders the family fortune. This reflects the common concern about generational decline.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 三代目の店主: third-generation shop owner
- 三代目を継ぐ: to succeed as the third generation
- 三代目当主: third-generation head of a family
RELATED TERMS:
- 初代: first generation, founder
- 二代目: second generation
- 四代目: fourth generation
- 老舗: long-established shop