Translation guide
The phrase 'old customs' refers to traditions, practices, or ways of doing things from the past. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several words and phrases that emphasize tradition, long-standing practice, or historical habits. The most common and natural way to refer to old customs in general is 古い習慣 (furui shūkan), but depending on the nuance—whether you mean cherished traditions, outdated practices, or personal habits—different terms are more appropriate.
Referring to customs, practices, or ways of doing things that have existed for a long time, often passed down through generations.
Many old customs remain in Japan.
He doesn't want to change his old customs.
Refers to 'tradition' or 'traditional customs'. It carries a positive nuance of something valued and passed down. Often used for cultural or family traditions.
This festival is an old custom of the region.
Means 'custom' or 'convention', often used in a social or legal context. It implies a practice that has become established over time.
In that village, old customs are still observed.
Refers to 'folk customs' or 'manners and customs', often tied to a specific region or culture. Slightly more formal and less common in daily speech.
This region has unique old customs.
Referring to customs that are considered obsolete, no longer relevant, or behind the times.
Literally 'outdated customs'. This phrase emphasizes that the customs are old-fashioned and not suitable for modern times.
We should stop such outdated customs.
A somewhat formal term for 'old customs' or 'antiquated practices', often with a negative connotation of being outdated. Common in written language.
A literary term meaning 'evil or undesirable old customs'. It implies a strong negative judgment and is rarely used in conversation.
Referring to an individual's long-standing habits or routines, not necessarily cultural traditions.
Means 'a habit from long ago'. It is used for personal routines or practices that someone has had for a long time.
It's an old custom of his to take a walk every morning.
Means 'habit' or 'quirk', often unconscious. When modified with 古い (furui), it can refer to an old habit, but it's more about personal mannerisms than customs.
習慣 (shūkan) is the most general term for 'custom' or 'habit', and can be used for both personal and societal practices. 伝統 (dentō) specifically means 'tradition' and implies something valued and intentionally passed down. 慣習 (kanshū) is more formal and often refers to established social conventions or practices. For 'old customs' in a general sense, 古い習慣 is the safest choice.
I'm interested in old Japanese customs.
This tradition has continued for hundreds of years.
Follow the customs of society.
While 古い (furui) is the standard word for 'old', in some contexts it can sound too simplistic or negative. For cherished traditions, it's often better to use 伝統的な (dentōteki na, 'traditional') or simply 伝統 without 古い. For example, 'old customs' in a positive sense might be better rendered as 伝統行事 (dentō gyōji, traditional events) or 昔ながらの習慣 (mukashi nagara no shūkan, customs as they were in the old days).
The village still preserves many old customs.
He finds it hard to break his old customs.
旧習を打破する必要がある。
It is necessary to break away from old customs.
その国では陋習がまだ根強く残っている。
In that country, bad old customs still persist.
彼の古い癖で、話すときに指を動かす。
It's an old habit of his to move his fingers when he talks.