noun
Refers to stories, teachings, or customs passed down through generations. Often used in compounds like 伝説 (legend) or 伝統 (tradition).
この村には古い伝が残っている。
An old legend remains in this village.
noun
biography; life story
Used for written accounts of a person's life, especially in historical or literary contexts. Common in compounds like 自伝 (autobiography) or 伝記 (biography).
彼の伝を読んで感動した。
I was moved after reading his biography.
noun
Refers to a traditional or established way of doing something, often in arts, crafts, or martial arts. Appears in compounds like 秘伝 (secret method) or 口伝 (oral instruction).
この流派の伝は門外不出だ。
The methods of this school are kept secret from outsiders.
noun
ancient relay system
Historical term for the horseback communication and transportation system used in ancient Japan. Rarely used outside historical contexts.
古代の伝は駅伝の起源とされる。
The ancient relay system is considered the origin of the ekiden (long-distance relay race).
伝説 is a more common and specific word for 'legend', while 伝 can be a bound form or appear in compounds.
伝記 is the standard word for 'biography'; 伝 is often used as a suffix or in compounds.
From Middle Chinese 傳 (drjwen), meaning 'to transmit, pass on'. The Japanese on'yomi reading でん reflects the historical Chinese pronunciation.