風習

• Reading: ふうしゅう
• Romaji: fuushuu
• Kanji breakdown: 風 (fuu) — wind, manner, style, custom; 習 (shuu) — learn, practise, custom
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯː.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Custom; tradition; folk practice. An established social practice passed down through generations.

A noun describing traditional customs and practices of a community or region. Similar to 習慣 (shuukan, habit/custom) but 風習 emphasises the cultural and regional aspect — practices rooted in local history and community identity rather than individual habit. Common collocations include 古い風習 (furui fuushuu, old custom), 地方の風習 (chihou no fuushuu, local custom), and 風習に従う (fuushuu ni shitagau, to follow a custom).

Examples

1. この地方には独特な風習が今も残っている。 Unique customs from this region still survive to this day.
2. 古い風習の中には現代に合わないものもある。 Some old customs no longer fit with modern times.
3. 正月の風習は地域によってさまざまだ。 New Year's customs vary from region to region.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, anthropology, regional traditions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 風 (fuu, wind/manner/style) + 習 (shuu, learn/practice). Literally 'the manner that is practised' — customs carried like the wind through a community.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal