慣習

• Reading: かんしゅう
• Romaji: kanshuu
• Kanji breakdown: 慣 (kan) — accustomed, used to; 習 (shuu) — learn, practice, custom
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Custom; convention; common practice. A traditional way of behaving or doing things in a society.

A noun referring to long-established practices or customs within a society or group. More formal and traditional than 習慣 (shuukan, habit/custom) — while 習慣 can refer to personal habits, 慣習 always implies a collectively shared social or cultural practice. Common collocations include 社会慣習 (shakai kanshuu, social custom), 慣習に従う (kanshuu ni shitagau, to follow custom), and 慣習法 (kanshuuhou, customary law).

Examples

1. その地域には独特の慣習が今でも残っている。 That region still retains its unique customs.
2. 古い慣習を変えるのは簡単なことではない。 Changing old customs is no easy task.
3. 国によって結婚に関する慣習は大きく異なる。 Customs surrounding marriage vary greatly from country to country.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, anthropology, law

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 慣 (kan, accustomed/used to) + 習 (shuu, learn/practice). Literally 'accustomed practice' — a behaviour pattern established through long repetition within a community.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal