Translation guide
The English word "conventional" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical uses and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
Describing methods, ideas, or things that follow established customs or norms, often contrasted with new or unconventional approaches.
Means 'existing', 'conventional', or 'traditional' as opposed to new. Often used for methods, systems, or approaches.
従来の方法では解決できない問題だ。
This is a problem that cannot be solved by conventional methods.
Emphasizes long-standing tradition. Suitable for customs, arts, or practices passed down through generations.
彼女は伝統的な日本舞踊を習っている。
She is learning conventional Japanese dance.
Conveys 'old-fashioned' or 'time-honored' in a positive sense. Often used for methods, flavors, or styles that have remained unchanged.
この店は昔ながらの製法で豆腐を作っている。
This shop makes tofu using conventional methods.
Means 'conventional' or 'existing' in technical contexts, often contrasting with new or introduced varieties (e.g., in agriculture or technology).
在来種の野菜は病気に強い。
Conventional varieties of vegetables are resistant to disease.
Describing people, behavior, or lifestyles that are typical and not unusual or rebellious.
Means 'ordinary', 'commonplace', or 'mundane'. Often used for people, lives, or ideas that lack distinctiveness.
彼は平凡なサラリーマンだ。
He is a conventional office worker.
The most common word for 'normal' or 'usual'. Can be used in almost any context to mean conventional.
普通の考え方では理解できない。
It's hard to understand with conventional thinking.
Literally 'stuck in a mold', meaning conventional and lacking originality. Often slightly negative.
彼のスピーチは型にはまっていてつまらなかった。
His speech was conventional and boring.
Means 'trite', 'hackneyed', or 'conventional' in a negative sense, implying lack of originality.
月並みな表現しか使えない。
I can only use conventional expressions.
Describing weapons, methods, or practices that are officially accepted or non-nuclear, non-experimental.
Refers specifically to 'conventional weapons' as opposed to nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons.
その国は通常兵器の削減に合意した。
The country agreed to reduce conventional weapons.
Means 'following convention' or 'according to custom'. Used for procedures or diplomatic protocols.
慣例に従った手続きで行われた。
It was done through conventional procedures.
Used in technical contexts for 'conventional type' (e.g., conventional power plants vs. renewable energy).
在来型の発電所は効率が低い。
Conventional power plants have low efficiency.
Referring to ideas or opinions that are generally accepted as true, but may not be examined critically.
Means 'commonly held belief' or 'conventional wisdom'. Natural in conversation.
世間一般の考えでは、早起きは健康に良いとされている。
Conventional wisdom says that early rising is good for your health.
A more formal term for 'common belief' or 'conventional wisdom', often used in writing.
The katakana word コンベンショナル is rarely used in natural Japanese and may sound awkward or overly technical. Use the Japanese alternatives provided in this guide instead.
従来の (jūrai no) emphasizes 'existing up to now' and is often used when contrasting with a new method or technology. 伝統的な (dentōteki na) emphasizes cultural or historical tradition. For example, 従来の治療法 (conventional treatment) vs. 伝統的な祭り (traditional festival).
その通念は最近の研究で覆された。
That conventional wisdom was overturned by recent research.