伝承

• Reading: でんしょう
• Romaji: denshō
• Kanji breakdown: 伝 (den) — transmit; 承 (shō) — receive, inherit
• Pronunciation: /deɴ.ɕoː/

Meaning

Oral tradition; the passing down of stories, customs, and knowledge from generation to generation through speech and practice.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (伝承する). It encompasses folklore, legends, myths, and traditional crafts or practices handed down within communities. Often contrasted with written records; 伝承によれば (according to tradition/legend) is a common phrase in storytelling and academic writing about cultural heritage.

Examples

1. この地方には、山の神にまつわる古い伝承が残されている。 In this region, there are old oral traditions about the mountain deity that have been preserved.
2. 民俗学者は消えつつある口頭伝承を記録することに尽力している。 The folklorist has devoted himself to recording oral traditions that are on the verge of disappearing.
3. 伝承された技術を次の世代に引き継ぐことが職人の使命だ。 It is the artisan's mission to pass on the techniques handed down through tradition to the next generation.

Usage Guide

Context: folklore, academics, cultural studies, narrative

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 伝 (transmit, convey) and 承 (receive, inherit). Together they express the act of receiving what is passed on — the living chain of cultural transmission.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: Adults

Social background: General