伝統 — meaning in English: Tradition

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Guess the translation for tradition

自由

jiyū

キー

kī

緊張

kinchō

伝統

dentō

革命

kakumei

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 伝統 when discussing cultural practices, especially during festivals or ceremonies that honor historical customs. For example, you might hear it in conversations about traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or when referring to the craftsmanship of kimono-making.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 文化 (bunka), meaning 'culture.' While 文化 encompasses broader cultural elements, 伝統 specifically highlights customs and practices that have been passed down through time. Use 伝統 when you want to emphasize historical continuity.

Culture

The word 伝統 originates from the Chinese characters 伝 (den), meaning 'to transmit,' and 統 (tō), meaning 'to unify.' This reflects the concept of passing down unified cultural practices through generations. Interestingly, Japan has a rich tapestry of traditions that vary by region, making each culture unique while still connected through this shared concept of 伝統.

FAQ

Q.What does 伝統 mean in English?

伝統 translates to 'tradition' in English, referring to customs and practices that are handed down through generations.

Q.How do you use 伝統 in a sentence?

You can use 伝統 in sentences like '日本の伝統はとても美しいです' (Nihon no dentō wa totemo utsukushii desu), meaning 'Japan's traditions are very beautiful.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 伝統?

A common mistake is to confuse 伝統 with 風習 (fūshū), which also refers to customs but can imply more informal or regional practices. Always use 伝統 when you want to indicate long-standing, significant traditions.

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