About
The character 嗣, meaning to inherit or carry on a lineage, originally functioned as a noun denoting an heir or successor, a sense derived from its structural composition. Its traditional form is composed of the elements 冊, representing a register or document, and 司, meaning to administer or take charge, combined with 口. This construction suggests the formal administrative act of recording a successor. From this core meaning, it developed into a verb meaning to inherit a title or continue a tradition. In classical literary usage, it also acquired a conjunctive function, translating as "thereafter" or "subsequently", linking it logically to the concept of succession in time.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他是家族的后嗣。
这个孩子是他们的嗣子。
国王嗣位后很英明。
他没有子嗣继承家业。
为了延续香火，他们收养了一个嗣子。
根据传统，长子有嗣位的权利。
如果他没有后嗣，财产将由侄子继承。
在古代，皇室嗣统的问题常常引发争议。