民俗

• Reading: みんぞく
• Romaji: minzoku
• Kanji breakdown: 民 (min) — people, folk, populace; 俗 (zoku) — customs, manners, worldly
• Pronunciation: /miɴ.zo.kɯ/

Meaning

Folk customs; folkways; ethnic customs. The traditional practices, beliefs, and culture of ordinary people.

A noun referring to the traditional customs, practices, and culture of common people, studied as an academic field. Distinguished from the homophone 民族 (minzoku, ethnic group/people) — 民俗 focuses on customs and cultural practices, while 民族 refers to ethnic identity. Common compounds include 民俗学 (minzokugaku, folklore studies), 民俗芸能 (minzoku geinou, folk performing arts), and 民俗資料館 (minzoku shiryoukan, folk museum).

Examples

1. 日本の民俗を研究するために各地を回った。 I traveled around the country to study Japanese folk customs.
2. 民俗学の授業で地方の祭りについて学んだ。 In my folklore studies class, I learned about regional festivals.
3. この地域の民俗には独自の信仰が色濃く残っている。 The folk traditions of this area retain a strong sense of unique local beliefs.

Usage Guide

Context: anthropology, folklore, cultural studies, academia

Tone: academic

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 民 (min, people/folk) + 俗 (zoku, customs/manners/vulgar). Literally 'the customs of the people' — the everyday practices and beliefs of common folk.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal