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.
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.
A customary practice or convention, often used in formal or legal contexts.
A traditional custom or practice, often with a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel.
Describing something that a person does regularly or habitually.
Also used for personal habits. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
Referring to something that is custom-made, not off-the-shelf.
Referring to the government agency or checkpoint for goods entering a country.
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).
その村には独特の風習が残っている。
Unique customs remain in that village.
国際的な慣習に従って対応した。
We responded in accordance with international custom.
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.
It's my custom to go jogging every morning.
Often means a personal habit, sometimes with a negative or quirky connotation (like a mannerism).
He has a custom of touching his hair when he talks.
Loanword from English, widely used for custom-made items like clothing, furniture, etc.
This suit is custom-made.
Special order; often used for industrial or commercial custom orders.
We need a custom-made part.
Traditional term for custom-made, especially for clothing. Less common in modern speech.
She is wearing a custom-made kimono.
The standard term for customs at an airport or border.
My luggage was inspected at customs.