What is the main usage of 纘?

纘 is primarily used in formal and classical contexts meaning to inherit, succeed, or carry on, especially referring to throne succession or family legacy continuation.

Is 纘 commonly used in modern Chinese?

No, 纘 is considered a classical character and is rarely used in modern everyday language. It appears mainly in historical texts and formal documents.

What is the difference between 纘 and 继?

While both mean to continue or succeed, 纘 carries a more formal and ceremonial connotation, often used for imperial succession, whereas 继 is more general and commonly used.

纘Tone 3

zuǎn ｜ 25 strokes ｜ radical:

Prev志

纘 · zuǎn

To inherit;

to carry on;

to continue;

to succeed to a throne or position.

To inheritto carry onto continue

Usage highlights

To succeed to the throneTo inherit the legacyTo continue the enterpriseTo carry on the family lineTo follow in footstepsTo take over the reign

Synonyms

继— to succeed; to continue
承— to inherit; to bear
嗣— to inherit; to succeed

Antonyms

废— to abolish; to discard
断— to break off; to discontinue

Usage & contexts

Examples

He succeeded to the throne (纘承大统).
They continued the family business (纘承家业).
The successor carried on his father's legacy (纘继父志).

Collocations

To succeed to the throne(纘承)
To inherit the legacy(纘继)
To continue the enterprise(纘业)
To carry on the family line(纘绪)
To follow in footsteps(纘武)
To take over the reign(纘统)

Idioms

To succeed to the throne and continue the legacy(纘承大统)
To inherit and carry forward the ancestral enterprise(克纘基业)
To continue the family tradition(纘绍先绪)

Cultural background

FAQ

Primarily used in classical and formal contexts related to succession, especially imperial or familial inheritance.
Often appears in historical texts documenting royal succession or family lineage continuation.
Reflects the traditional Chinese value of maintaining family continuity and honoring ancestral legacy.

纘 (zuǎn) - To inherit & to carry on