Translation guide
The concept of 'tradition' in Japanese can be expressed through several words and phrases, each with different nuances. The most common and versatile word is 伝統 (dentō), which refers to customs, practices, or cultural heritage passed down through generations. Other expressions include 慣習 (kanshū) for social customs, しきたり (shikitari) for established conventions within a group, and 伝承 (denshō) for oral or folk traditions. The choice depends on whether you're talking about cultural heritage, social customs, or specific traditional practices.
Referring to customs, arts, or practices passed down through generations, especially in a cultural or historical context.
The most common and general word for 'tradition'. It refers to cultural heritage, customs, and practices that are passed down over time. Can be used for both tangible and intangible cultural elements.
日本には長い伝統があります。
Japan has a long tradition.
この祭りは古い伝統です。
This festival is an old tradition.
Refers specifically to the transmission of folklore, oral traditions, legends, or skills from generation to generation. Often used in contexts like folk tales, traditional crafts, or performing arts.
この地域には多くの民話が伝承されています。
Many folk tales have been passed down in this region.
Referring to unwritten rules, social norms, or customary practices within a community or group.
Refers to social customs or conventions that are widely accepted in a society or group. It emphasizes habitual practices rather than formal traditions.
その国では、お辞儀をするのが慣習です。
In that country, it is the custom to bow.
Refers to established conventions or unwritten rules within a specific group, family, or community. Often used for traditional procedures or etiquette, such as in ceremonies or formal occasions.
While often translated as 'habit' or 'custom', it can also mean 'tradition' when referring to a long-standing practice in a society. It is broader and can include personal habits as well.
Referring to a specific traditional method, style, or way of doing something, often in arts, crafts, or daily life.
The adjective form meaning 'traditional'. Use this to describe something as being in a traditional style or manner.
伝統的な日本料理を食べたいです。
I want to eat traditional Japanese cuisine.
彼は伝統的な方法で陶器を作ります。
He makes pottery in a traditional way.
Refers to ancient or old-style traditions, often used in formal contexts like ceremonies or martial arts. It emphasizes the antiquity and formality of the tradition.
Referring to a tradition specific to a family or individual, often a repeated activity or custom.
Literally 'our family's tradition'. A natural way to talk about a family-specific tradition.
毎年夏に海に行くのが我が家の伝統です。
Going to the beach every summer is our family tradition.
Means 'customary' or 'annual'. Used to describe an event or activity that happens regularly and has become a tradition.
恒例の家族旅行は今年も楽しかったです。
Our traditional family trip was fun again this year.
伝統 (dentō) is the broadest term for cultural traditions and heritage. 慣習 (kanshū) refers to social customs or conventions, often unwritten rules of behavior. しきたり (shikitari) is used for established conventions within a specific group, like family or community, often with a sense of formality or ritual.
日本の伝統文化に興味があります。
I'm interested in Japanese traditional culture.
その村では、結婚式の慣習が独特です。
In that village, the wedding customs are unique.
この会社には、新入社員が最初に掃除をするしきたりがあります。
In this company, there is a tradition that new employees clean first.
The English loanword トラディション (toradishon) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in some contexts like brand names or titles, but it's not a standard way to express 'tradition'. Stick to the native Japanese words.
感謝祭に七面鳥を食べるのは伝統です。
It's a tradition to eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
この習慣は先祖から伝わる古い伝統です。
This custom is an old tradition passed down from our ancestors.
毎年夏にキャンプに行くのが我が家の伝統です。
We have a tradition of going camping every summer.
結婚式のしきたりに従って、両親に感謝の手紙を読みました。
Following the wedding tradition, we read a letter of thanks to our parents.
お正月に家族で集まるのは日本の習慣です。
Gathering with family on New Year's is a Japanese tradition.
A tea ceremony ritual was performed according to ancient tradition.