遺言

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 遺言, read ゆいごん, refers to words or wishes left for after one's death.
• Basic usage: It is used for a deceased person's wishes about what should happen to things such as a house or book collection.
  • 祖父は遺言に、古い家を資料館として残したいと記した。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Wishes versus a document: 遺言書
  • 遺言 refers to the words or wishes left behind, while 遺言書 specifically names a written document containing them.