Translation and Meaning of: 子孫 - shison

The Japanese word 子孫 (しそん) carries a deep and culturally relevant meaning in Japan. If you are studying the language or simply interested in the Japanese language, understanding terms like this can enrich your knowledge of Japanese society and values. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday use of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

子孫 is a term that frequently appears in family, historical, and even philosophical contexts. Whether in everyday conversations or in more formal texts, understanding its meaning and application can be useful for those who wish to communicate more naturally in Japanese. Let's unravel all of this below, with practical examples and information based on reliable sources.

Meaning and translation of 子孫

Descendants or future generations. The word is composed of two kanji: 子 (ko/shi), which means "child," and 孫 (mago/son), which means "grandchild" or "descendant." Together, they form a term that encompasses not only children and grandchildren but all the generations that come after someone.

In Japan, the concept of 子孫 is strongly linked to the idea of family continuity and lineage preservation. Unlike in Portuguese, where "descendentes" can be used more generically, in Japanese this word carries a greater cultural weight, often related to honor and responsibility towards future generations.

Origin and cultural use of 子孫

The origin of 子孫 dates back to classical Chinese, just like many other Japanese terms composed of kanjis. However, its usage has been adapted to reflect specific values of Japanese culture, especially those related to family and ancestry. Since ancient times, maintaining the family lineage has been seen as an important duty in Japanese society.

To this day, 子孫 frequently appears in discussions about cultural heritage, family businesses, and even long-term government policies. Century-old companies in Japan, known as "shinise," often mention the importance of considering 子孫 when making decisions that will affect the future of the organization. This concept also appears in proverbs and popular sayings that emphasize responsibility toward future generations.

How to memorize and use 子孫 correctly

An effective way to memorize 子孫 is to break the word into its components. As mentioned, 子 means "child" and 孫 means "grandchild." Together, they represent the natural sequence of generations. One tip is to visualize a simple family tree: you (or someone) at the top, with 子 (children) below and 孫 (grandchildren) beneath them.

Regarding practical use, 子孫 is more common in formal or written contexts than in everyday colloquial Japanese. You may find it in official documents, speeches, or when discussing family history. For example: "先祖から子孫へ伝統を守る" (Preserving traditions from ancestors to descendants). Note that it is not a word that appears frequently in casual conversations about family.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 子孫 (shison) - Descendants, offspring
• 子孫後代 (shison kodai) - Future descendants, future generations
• 子孫繁栄 (shison han'e) - Prosperity of the descendants
• 子孫繁殖 (shison hanshoku) - Reproduction of descent
• 子孫代々 (shison daidai) - Generations of descendants
• 子孫世代 (shison sedai) - Generations of descent
• 子孫家系 (shison kakei) - Family lineage, genealogy of descent
• 子孫男女 (shison danjo) - Male and female descent
• 子孫男子 (shison danshi) - Male descendants
• 子孫女子 (shison joshi) - Female descendants

子孫

Romaji: shison
Kana: しそん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: descendants; offspring; descent

Meaning in English: descendants;posterity;offspring

Definition: Direct children and subsequent descendants.