风俗

• Pinyin: fēng sú
• Hanzi breakdown: 风 = wind, influence; 俗 = 亻(person) + 谷 (valley) — the common practices of a community

Meaning

Customs; traditions; folk practices. The established social habits and practices of a particular region or people.

Refers to traditional practices, rituals, and social norms passed down through generations within a community. Often appears in the phrase 风俗习惯 (customs and habits). Used when discussing cultural differences, festivals, and regional traditions.

Examples

1. 每个地方的风俗习惯都不一样。 The customs and habits differ from place to place.
2. 过春节是中国最重要的风俗之一。 Celebrating Spring Festival is one of the most important customs in China.
3. 来到新的城市，最好先了解当地的风俗。 When arriving in a new city, it's best to learn about the local customs first.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, travel

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 这个地区有很多独特的风俗。(This region has many unique customs.)
• 我们应该尊重不同国家的风俗。(We should respect the customs of different countries.)

Don't Say

• 他的风俗是每天跑步 (Don't use 风俗 for personal habits — use 习惯; 风俗 refers to shared cultural practices of a community, not individual routines)

Origin & History

风 (wind/influence) + 俗 (common practice). Wind metaphorically represents the prevailing influence of local habits and traditions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal