風俗
Meanings
Refers to the traditional ways of life, social habits, and cultural practices of a particular region or period.
I read old documents to investigate the customs of this region.
Often used in legal or social contexts, such as 風俗営業 (businesses affecting public morals) or 風俗壊乱 (corruption of public morals).
There is a strict screening process to obtain a license for businesses affecting public morals.
sex industry; sex service; sex-oriented entertainment
Commonly used as a euphemism for the sex industry, including soaplands, hostess clubs, and other adult entertainment. Often written in katakana as フーゾク in casual contexts.
He got to know a woman who works in the sex industry.
That area is famous for having many sex-industry establishments.
Usage patterns
- 風俗が乱れるfor public morals to decline
It was said that society's morals declined after the war.
- 〈場所〉の風俗に慣れるto get used to the customs of a place
He quickly got used to the customs of this country.
- 風俗で働くto work in the sex industry
She was working in the sex industry to pay for tuition.
- 風俗を乱すto corrupt public morals
The magazine was banned for corrupting public morals.
Expressions
- 善良の風俗good morals; public order