伝統

• Reading: でんとう
• Romaji: dentou
• Kanji breakdown: 伝 (den/tsuta) — transmit, convey; 統 (tou/su) — lineage, govern, unite
• Pronunciation: /de.n.toː/

Meaning

Tradition; convention. Customs and practices passed down through generations.

A noun often paired with 的 to form the na-adjective 伝統的 (traditional). Common compounds include 伝統文化 (traditional culture) and 伝統工芸 (traditional crafts). Japan places great emphasis on preserving 伝統 alongside modernisation.

Examples

1. この祭りには長い伝統があります。 This festival has a long tradition.
2. 伝統的な日本料理を食べたいです。 I want to try traditional Japanese cuisine.
3. 伝統を守りながら新しいことにも挑戦する。 We take on new challenges while preserving tradition.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, history, tourism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 伝 (transmit, convey) and 統 (lineage, govern). Together they mean something transmitted along a lineage — customs handed down over time.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal