Translation guide
Ways to refer to traditions, practices, or customs from the past in Japanese, ranging from formal terms for ancient customs to casual expressions for old-fashioned habits.
Referring to a long-standing custom, often with cultural or historical significance.
A neutral, general term for an old custom or habit. Suitable for most contexts.
その村には古い習慣がまだ残っている。
Old customs still remain in that village.
Literally 'custom from long ago', emphasizing continuity from the past.
これは昔からの習慣で、毎年行われている。
This is an old custom that is performed every year.
A more formal term, 'traditional custom', often used for culturally significant practices.
この祭りは伝統的な習慣として大切にされている。
This festival is cherished as a traditional custom.
Refers to an old, often outdated or irrational custom, sometimes with a negative connotation of being bound by tradition.
その地域には古い因習が根強く残っている。
Old, outdated customs remain deeply rooted in that region.
Describing a personal or societal habit that is considered outdated or from a bygone era.
A common term for an old custom or practice, often with a slightly nostalgic or traditional feel.
古い慣わしに従って、新年には餅をつく。
Following an old custom, we pound rice cakes for the New Year.
Literally 'old way of doing things', neutral and can be used for methods or customs.
彼は昔のやり方にこだわっている。
He sticks to the old ways.
A formal, somewhat literary term for old customs, often used in historical or critical contexts.
Referring to a social rule or etiquette that is no longer considered modern or necessary.
Often used for traditional social conventions or formalities, especially in ceremonies or community events.
結婚式には古いしきたりがたくさんある。
There are many old customs in wedding ceremonies.
Literally 'outdated custom', clearly conveys that the practice is behind the times.
そんな時代遅れの習慣はもうやめたほうがいい。
You should stop such an outdated custom.
A strong, negative term for a bad or corrupt old custom; implies something that should be abolished.
習慣 (しゅうかん) is the most general term for 'custom' or 'habit', personal or social. 慣わし (ならわし) often implies a traditional practice passed down in a community. しきたり refers to conventional rules or formalities, especially in ceremonies.
While 古い (ふるい) is common, using it with every noun can sound unnatural. Consider set phrases like 昔からの (むかしからの) or 伝統的な (でんとうてきな) for a more natural expression.
It is necessary to break down old customs.
The village's corrupt old customs are hard for outsiders to understand.