Category: CulturePart of speech: nounDifficulty: Common

伝統

/dentō/Roman

English meaning: Tradition

Japanese Definition

(日本語)

伝統とは、世代を越えて受け継がれてきた慣習・文化・精神的遺産の総体である。日本では神道の祭礼・茶道・生花・書道・能楽などの伝統が今も生きた文化として息づいている。深い伝統への敬意と最先端技術の共存が日本の独自性を形づくる。

English Definition

Customs and practices passed down through generations. Japan maintains a rich tapestry of living traditions including Shinto rituals, tea ceremony, flower arrangement (ikebana), calligraphy, and Noh theatre. Japan balances deep respect for tradition with cutting-edge technological modernity in a unique synthesis.

Example

日本は伝統と現代技術を見事に融合させています。

In English: Japan masterfully fuses tradition with modern technology.

Synonyms

  • 慣習
  • しきたり

Antonyms / Opposites

  • 革新
  • 近代化

Literary Heritage

物のあはれを知るこそ、文の心なれ

/Mono no aware wo shiru koso, fumi no kokoro nare/

To know the pathos of things is indeed the heart of literature.

Murasaki Shikibu · Novelist and Lady-in-Waiting · 11th century CE

Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji)

Genji Monogatari, Chapter on Hotaru (Fireflies), 11th century CE

Images

CC-licensed · free to use
More on Wikimedia
Loading images…

Video

Language information

Language
日本語
Japanese
Script
Kana+Han
Family
Japonic
Speakers
125M
Back to Japanese Dictionary