従来

• Reading: じゅうらい
• Romaji: juurai
• Kanji breakdown: 従 (juu/shitaga) — follow, obey; 来 (rai/ku) — come
• Pronunciation: /dʑɯː.ɾa.i/

Meaning

Conventional; traditional; up to now; so far. Refers to how things have been done previously.

A noun and adverb referring to the way things have been until now. Often used to contrast past methods or states with new ones, as in 従来の方法 (conventional method) or 従来通り (as before). Very common in business, technology, and academic writing when introducing improvements or changes. More formal than 今まで (until now).

Examples

1. 従来の方法では対応しきれない問題が出てきた。 Problems have come up that can't be handled with conventional methods.
2. 新製品は従来のものより性能が大幅に向上した。 The new product is a major improvement in performance over its predecessor.
3. 従来通りのやり方を続けるか見直すか議論が必要だ。 We need to discuss whether to keep doing things the conventional way or make changes.

Usage Guide

Context: business, technology, academic

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese 從來. 従 (juu) means 'follow, obey' and 来 (rai) means 'come.' Together: 'following from what has come before' — referring to precedent and tradition.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal