掟

• Reading: おきて
• Romaji: okite
• Kanji breakdown: 掟 (okite) — law, regulation, rule (composed of 手 hand + 定 fixed)
• Pronunciation: /o.ki.te/

Meaning

Law; regulation; rule; code. An established rule or custom, often unwritten, within a group or community.

A noun referring to rules, codes, or regulations, particularly those enforced within a specific group or community rather than by formal government. Unlike 法律 (houritsu, law) which refers to codified law, 掟 often implies traditional, unwritten, or informal rules. Commonly appears in phrases like 村の掟 (mura no okite, village code) and in fiction involving outlaw or clan rules.

Examples

1. その村には昔から厳しい掟がある。 That village has had strict codes since ancient times.
2. 組織の掟を破った者は追放される。 Anyone who breaks the organization's rules will be expelled.
3. 掟に従わなければ、罰を受けることになる。 If you don't follow the rules, you will be punished.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, traditional communities, fiction

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Native Japanese word (wago). From the verb 置く (oku, to place/set), reflecting the idea of something that has been 'set down' or established as a rule. The kanji 掟 combines 手 (te, hand) and 定 (tei, fixed), suggesting something established by hand — a rule that is firmly set.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal