Translation guide
Ways to refer to traditions, practices, or customs from the past in Japanese, ranging from formal terms for ancient customs to casual expressions for old-fashioned habits.
Referring to a long-standing custom, often with cultural or historical significance.
A neutral, general term for an old custom or habit. Suitable for most contexts.
Old customs still remain in that village.
Literally 'custom from long ago', emphasizing continuity from the past.
This is an old custom that is performed every year.
A more formal term, 'traditional custom', often used for culturally significant practices.
This festival is cherished as a traditional custom.
Refers to an old, often outdated or irrational custom, sometimes with a negative connotation of being bound by tradition.
Old, outdated customs remain deeply rooted in that region.
Describing a personal or societal habit that is considered outdated or from a bygone era.
A common term for an old custom or practice, often with a slightly nostalgic or traditional feel.
Following an old custom, we pound rice cakes for the New Year.
Literally 'old way of doing things', neutral and can be used for methods or customs.
He sticks to the old ways.
A formal, somewhat literary term for old customs, often used in historical or critical contexts.
Referring to a social rule or etiquette that is no longer considered modern or necessary.
Often used for traditional social conventions or formalities, especially in ceremonies or community events.
There are many old customs in wedding ceremonies.
Literally 'outdated custom', clearly conveys that the practice is behind the times.
A strong, negative term for a bad or corrupt old custom; implies something that should be abolished.
習慣 (しゅうかん) is the most general term for 'custom' or 'habit', personal or social. 慣わし (ならわし) often implies a traditional practice passed down in a community. しきたり refers to conventional rules or formalities, especially in ceremonies.
While 古い (ふるい) is common, using it with every noun can sound unnatural. Consider set phrases like 昔からの (むかしからの) or 伝統的な (でんとうてきな) for a more natural expression.
旧習を打破する必要がある。
It is necessary to break down old customs.
You should stop such an outdated custom.
その村の陋習は外部の人間には理解しがたい。
The village's corrupt old customs are hard for outsiders to understand.