1.
eldest grandchild
The first-born grandchild, regardless of gender. A formal term used in family contexts, inheritance discussions, and historical or literary texts.
長孫が生まれて、祖父母は大喜びだった。
The grandparents were overjoyed when their first grandchild was born.
長孫として、家の行事には必ず出席する。
As the eldest grandchild, I always attend family events.
祖父は長孫である私に、先祖のことをよく話してくれた。
My grandfather often told me, his eldest grandchild, about our ancestors.
Composed of 長 (eldest, senior) and 孫 (grandchild). Part of a family vocabulary series that includes 長男 (eldest son), 長女 (eldest daughter), and 長子 (firstborn child). In traditional Japanese families, the 長孫 may hold a special position, particularly in matters of inheritance and family succession.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 長孫が生まれる: the first grandchild is born
- 長孫を可愛がる: to dote on one's eldest grandchild
- 内孫の長孫: the eldest grandchild from the family line
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 孫: grandchild — the everyday word for grandchild
- 初孫: first grandchild — emphasizes being the first, with a warmer nuance
- 長男: eldest son — same 長 prefix applied to the son generation