Translation and Meaning of: 継ぐ - tsugu

The Japanese word 継ぐ[つぐ] carries deep meanings and practical applications in the daily life of Japan. Whether you are studying the language or just curious about cultural expressions, understanding its use goes beyond simple translation. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural nuances, including tips for memorization and examples of how it appears in Japanese society. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide accurate and useful information for your learning.

Meaning and usage of 継ぐ

The verb 継ぐ[つぐ] can be translated as "to inherit," "to succeed," or "to continue something." It is often used in contexts where there is a transfer of responsibilities, knowledge, or objects from one generation to another. For example, a child who takes over the family business or an artisan who passes on their techniques to an apprentice.

Besides the literal meaning, 継ぐ also appears in more subtle situations, such as in the continuity of traditions or values. Unlike words like 受け継ぐ (which emphasizes receiving something that already exists), 継ぐ implies an active action of keeping something in motion. This distinction is essential to avoid confusion when forming sentences in Japanese.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 継 is composed of the radical 糸 (thread, line) combined with 圭 (an ancient character that represents jade or nobility). This combination suggests the idea of "linking" or "connecting" valuable elements over time. Sources such as Kanjipedia confirm this relationship with continuity, reinforcing the sense of preserving ties or legacies.

It is worth noting that 継ぐ is not an archaic verb – it is frequently used in both formal language and everyday conversation. Its kanji also appears in terms such as 継続 (continuity) and 継承 (succession), demonstrating its relevance in various contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 継ぐ is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of stories of families that have maintained traditional crafts for centuries, such as potters or tea masters. These examples illustrate the verb in action well. Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like 家業を継ぐ (take over the family business) to practice.

Avoid confusing 継ぐ with 続ける (to continue an action). While the former implies inheritance or substitution, the latter refers to prolonging activities without necessarily involving transfer. This difference is clearly apparent in real dialogues and even in Japanese song lyrics, where 継ぐ often relates to emotional ties between generations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 受け継ぐ (uketsugu) - Heritages or traditions passed on to the next generation.
• 継承する (keishō suru) - Transfer of knowledge, practices, or properties.
• 継がる (tsugaru) - Continue or succeed something that already exists.
• 継ぎ足す (tsugitasu) - Add something to an existing part.
• 継ぎ接ぐ (tsugisugu) - Join parts in an intermediate way.
• 継ぎ目を合わせる (tsugime o awaseru) - Align or join the seams of two objects.
• 継手を作る (tsugite o tsukuru) - Create a junction or connection between two parts.
• 継ぎ合わせる (tsugiawaseru) - Combine or join several parts together.
• 継続する (keizoku suru) - Perpetuate the existence of something over time.
• 継ぎ足しする (tsugitasu suru) - Add something to a continuation, similar to "継ぎ足す".
• 継ぎ足して補う (tsugitasu shite oginau) - Add and complement something to make it complete.
• 継ぎ足して補充する (tsugitasu shite hojū suru) - Add to replenish or supply what was missing.
• 継ぎ足して補完する (tsugitasu shite hokan suru) - Add to complement what already exists, reinforcing the entirety.
• 継ぎ足して補強する (tsugitasu shite hikyō suru) - Add to strengthen or improve the structure of something already existing.
• 継ぎ足して追加する (tsugitasu shite tsuika suru) - Add something cumulatively.
• 継ぎ足して増やす (tsugitasu shite fuyasu) - Add to increase or expand.
• 継ぎ足して拡張する (tsugitasu shite kakuchō suru) - Add with the aim of expanding something.

継ぐ

Romaji: tsugu
Kana: つぐ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: succeed

Meaning in English: to succeed

Definition: Inherited from parents and ancestors.

Example Sentences - (継ぐ) tsugu

See below some example sentences:

私は祖父の仕事を継ぐつもりです。

Watashi wa sofu no shigoto wo tsugu tsumori desu

I intend to follow my grandfather's work.

I will take on my grandfather's work.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 祖父 - noun "grandfather"
• の - possessive particle, indicating that the grandfather is "mine"
• 仕事 - "work"
• を - direct object particle, indicating that work is the object of the action
• 継ぐ - verb "to continue", "successor"
• つもり - expression indicating intention or plan
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は祖父から受け継いだ家族の伝統を大切にしています。

Watashi wa sofu kara uketsuguida kazoku no dentō o taisetsu ni shiteimasu

I value my family tradition that I inherited from my grandfather.

I value the family tradition inherited from my grandfather.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 祖父 - noun meaning "grandfather" in Japanese
• から - particle that indicates the origin or starting point
• 受け継いだ - verb meaning "to inherit" or "to receive as an inheritance"
• 家族 - noun meaning "family" in Japanese
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 伝統 - noun meaning "tradition" in Japanese
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 大切にしています - verbal expression that means "to value" or "to give importance"