Translation guide
The English word 'custom' can refer to a traditional practice, a personal habit, or something made to order. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Expressing a long-standing practice, tradition, or way of doing things in a society or group.
The most common word for a custom or habitual practice, often used for both personal habits and social customs.
日本では、家に入る前に靴を脱ぐ習慣があります。
In Japan, there is a custom of taking off your shoes before entering a house.
Refers to traditional customs or folkways, often with a cultural or regional nuance.
その村には独特の風習が残っている。
Unique customs remain in that village.
A customary practice or convention, often used in formal or legal contexts.
国際的な慣習に従って対応した。
We responded in accordance with international custom.
A traditional custom or practice, often with a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel.
この地域には古くからの習わしがたくさんある。
This region has many old customs.
Describing something that a person does regularly or habitually.
Also used for personal habits. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
毎朝ジョギングするのが私の習慣です。
It's my custom to go jogging every morning.
Often means a personal habit, sometimes with a negative or quirky connotation (like a mannerism).
Referring to something that is custom-made, not off-the-shelf.
Loanword from English, widely used for custom-made items like clothing, furniture, etc.
このスーツはオーダーメイドです。
This suit is custom-made.
Special order; often used for industrial or commercial custom orders.
Traditional term for custom-made, especially for clothing. Less common in modern speech.
Referring to the government agency or checkpoint for goods entering a country.
The standard term for customs at an airport or border.
税関で荷物を検査された。
My luggage was inspected at customs.
習慣 is the most general and common. 風習 emphasizes traditional or folk customs. 慣習 is often used for established practices in business or law.
The English word 'custom' in 'customer' is unrelated. In Japanese, 'customer' is 客 (きゃく) or 顧客 (こきゃく).
He has a custom of touching his hair when he talks.
特注の部品が必要です。
We need a custom-made part.
あつらえの着物を着ている。
She is wearing a custom-made kimono.