At the A1 level, you can think of '風習' (fūshū) as a special word for 'traditional custom.' While you might already know '習慣' (shūkan) for your own habits like 'I drink tea,' you use '風習' when you talk about a whole group of people, like a village or a country. For example, 'Japan has many customs' would use this word. It is a noun. You will mostly see it used with 'の' (no), like '日本の風習' (Japanese customs). At this level, don't worry about the difficult kanji; just remember that it's for traditions that many people do together because they have done them for a long time. It helps you talk about holidays, festivals, and special local rules.
At the A2 level, you should start distinguishing '風習' from '習慣'. Remember: '習慣' is for personal habits (like brushing teeth), but '風習' is for social customs (like bowing or specific festival rituals). You can use simple adjectives with it, such as '古い風習' (old custom) or '面白い風習' (interesting custom). You might hear this word when people explain why they do certain things during New Year's or other holidays. It's often used in the pattern '[Place] には [Custom] という風習がある' (In [Place], there is a custom called [Custom]). This is a great way to describe your own country's traditions to Japanese friends.
By B1, you should be comfortable using '風習' to discuss cultural differences. You can use it to talk about regional variations across Japan, such as '地方によって風習が違う' (Customs differ depending on the region). You will also encounter the word in reading passages about sociology or history. It's important to notice the verbs that go with it: '風習が残る' (customs remain) or '風習を守る' (to observe/keep a custom). You might also see it used to describe social norms that are changing, like '古い風習を捨てる' (to discard old customs). This word allows you to have deeper conversations about society and heritage.
At the B2 level, you can use '風習' to analyze the 'why' behind social behaviors. You will understand its nuance as 'folkways'—the organic, often unwritten practices of a community. You can distinguish it from '伝統' (formal, high-culture traditions) and '慣習' (business or legal conventions). You might use it in academic essays or formal discussions about cultural preservation. For example, you could discuss '風習の多様性' (the diversity of customs) or how '現代社会における風習の役割' (the role of customs in modern society). You should also be aware of related terms like '習わし' (narawashi) and 'しきたり' (shikitari) and choose the appropriate one based on the level of formality and the specific context.
At the C1 level, '風習' becomes a tool for sophisticated cultural and sociological analysis. You can discuss the evolution of '民俗学的な風習' (folkloric customs) and their impact on modern identity. You should be able to use the word in complex sentences involving passive forms or causative structures, such as '風習に縛られる' (to be bound by customs). You will recognize the word in classical literature and academic papers where it might be paired with '風俗' (fūzoku - manners and customs) to describe the zeitgeist of a historical period. Your understanding should include the subtle social pressure that 'fūshū' exerts, often acting as a form of 'social control' (社会統制) in traditional communities.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '風習' and its various connotations. You can use it to discuss the philosophical implications of '無形の風習' (intangible customs) and how they intersect with globalization. You are capable of critiquing '前近代的な風習' (pre-modern customs) in an editorial or academic setting, using precise vocabulary to describe their persistence or decline. You understand the etymological roots of the kanji—the 'wind' representing the spread of influence and 'learning' representing the communal practice. You can effortlessly switch between '風習', '慣習', '伝統', and 'しきたり' to convey exact nuances of social behavior, historical weight, and institutional formality.

風習 en 30 segundos

  • Fūshū (風習) means 'social custom' or 'folkway'. It refers to traditional practices shared by a community or region over many generations.
  • Unlike 'shūkan' (personal habit), 'fūshū' is always collective. It describes how a group behaves together based on their shared cultural heritage.
  • It is commonly used when discussing local festivals, regional wedding traditions, or ancient superstitions that still influence modern life in certain areas.
  • The word carries a sense of historical weight and regional identity, often appearing in travel, history, and sociological contexts in Japanese.

The Japanese word 風習 (ふうしゅう - fūshū) is a profound term that encapsulates the essence of collective identity and historical continuity within a group. At its core, it refers to a social custom, a traditional practice, or a set of folkways that have been preserved and passed down through generations within a specific geographical region, village, or community. Unlike a personal habit (習慣 - shūkan), which might involve your individual routine of drinking coffee every morning, a fūshū is something that belongs to the 'we' rather than the 'I'. It represents the 'wind' (風) of influence that blows through a culture and the 'learning' (習) or practice that the people collectively uphold.

Societal Dimension
This word is specifically used when discussing the unique behaviors of a group. For instance, a specific way of celebrating a harvest or a peculiar wedding ritual unique to a mountain village would be described as a 風習. It carries a nuance of being deeply rooted in the soil of the land.

この地域には、古くから伝わる珍しい風習が残っている。(In this region, rare customs passed down from ancient times still remain.)

When you use this word, you are often looking at a culture from an observational or anthropological perspective. It is common in travel documentaries, history books, and discussions about cultural preservation. It suggests a sense of 'lore' and 'heritage' that is lived out in daily life. It is not necessarily as formal as dentō (tradition), which often implies a high-culture art form like tea ceremony or Kabuki; rather, fūshū covers the everyday rituals, the superstitions, and the communal manners that define a local way of life.

Historical Continuity
The term implies that the practice has survived the test of time. It is not a trend or a fad. If a behavior is called a fūshū, it suggests that the ancestors of the current inhabitants were likely doing the exact same thing hundreds of years ago.

古い風習を打破するのは容易ではない。(Breaking down old customs is not easy.)

In modern Japan, you might hear this word when people discuss how certain rural areas still maintain practices that have disappeared from the big cities. It can sometimes carry a slightly 'outdated' or 'quaint' connotation depending on the context, but it is generally a respectful way to refer to cultural heritage. It is the invisible thread that binds a community together, dictating how they grieve, how they celebrate, and how they interact with the natural world around them.

Using 風習 correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. It is a noun, and it most frequently appears in the structure '[Place/Group] + の + 風習' or '[Adjective] + 風習'. Because it refers to a collective phenomenon, it is often the subject of verbs like '残る' (to remain), '伝わる' (to be handed down), or '守る' (to protect/observe).

Describing Existence
To say a custom exists, use 'ある' or '残っている'. Example: 'この村には独自の風習がある。' (This village has its own unique customs.) This emphasizes that the custom is a living part of the present landscape.

お正月には、家族で特別な料理を食べるという風習があります。(There is a custom of eating special food with family during the New Year.)

Notice the use of 'という' (called/of) in the example above. This is a very common way to define what the specific fūshū is. You state the action, add 'という', and then '風習'. This creates a clear explanation of the tradition being discussed. You can also use adjectives like '古い' (old), '珍しい' (rare), '奇妙な' (strange), or '美しい' (beautiful) to modify the noun.

Regional Specificity
Because fūshū is tied to geography, you will often see it paired with regional nouns. '地方の風習' (regional customs) or '田舎の風習' (rural customs). This highlights the diversity of Japanese culture across different prefectures.

土地の風習に従って、儀式が行われた。(The ritual was conducted in accordance with the local customs.)

In more formal or academic writing, you might see '風習' used to contrast with '法律' (law). While laws are written and enforced by the state, fūshū are the organic, social pressures that dictate behavior. For example, '法律よりも風習の方が強い影響力を持つこともある' (Sometimes customs have a stronger influence than laws). This demonstrates the word's power in describing the social fabric of a community.

In daily Japanese life, 風習 is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the historical. You are most likely to encounter it in contexts where cultural identity is being explored or explained. It is a staple of NHK travel programs that visit remote islands or mountain villages to document 'vanishing' ways of life. When a presenter says, 'This village has a mysterious custom,' they will almost certainly use fūshū.

TV and Documentaries
Travelogues often use the phrase '古き良き風習' (good old customs) to evoke nostalgia. You'll hear it during interviews with elderly residents who are explaining why they perform certain rituals during the Obon festival or local matsuri.

テレビ番組で、日本の珍しい風習が紹介されていた。(A rare Japanese custom was introduced on a TV program.)

Another common setting is in literature, especially in folk tales (minwa) or modern novels set in rural Japan. Authors like Kunio Yanagita, the father of Japanese folklore studies, used this word extensively to categorize the behaviors of the common people. In fiction, if a character moves from Tokyo to a small village, they might struggle with the 'local customs' (土地の風習), which serves as a common plot device for 'fish out of water' stories.

News and Editorials
You will also see fūshū in news articles discussing social change. For example, articles about gender roles often mention '男尊女卑の風習' (the custom of male dominance over female), usually in a critical context, suggesting that these are old-fashioned ways of thinking that need to change.

時代に合わない風習は、少しずつ消えていく。(Customs that don't fit the times gradually disappear.)

Finally, in education, children learn about '日本の風習' in social studies classes. They learn about the significance of 'Kadomatsu' at New Year's or 'Hina-matsuri' in March. Here, the word is used to instill a sense of cultural heritage. Whether it's a nostalgic look at the past or a critical look at social norms, fūshū is the go-to word for the collective habits of the Japanese people.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 風習 is confusing it with its close relative, 習慣 (しゅうかん - shūkan). While both translate to 'custom' or 'habit' in English, their usage in Japanese is strictly divided by the scale of the actor. Shūkan is for individuals or general daily routines, while fūshū is for communities and history.

Individual vs. Collective
If you say 'My custom is to run every morning,' you MUST use shūkan (私の習慣). Using fūshū here would make it sound like your entire village or ethnic group has a traditional ancestral requirement to run every morning, which would sound very strange.

❌ 私の風習は、朝にコーヒーを飲むことです。
✅ 私の習慣は、朝にコーヒーを飲むことです。

Another common error is confusing fūshū with 伝統 (でんとう - dentō). While they overlap, dentō usually refers to high-level traditions, arts, or systems that are consciously preserved and often have a formal 'way' (道 - dō). Fūshū is more about folkways—things people do because 'that's just how we do it here,' often involving local beliefs or superstitions that might not be considered 'high art'.

Positive vs. Negative Nuance
Sometimes fūshū is used to describe 'bad habits' of a society. However, don't confuse this with akushu (悪習 - bad habit). Fūshū is neutral by itself, but akushu is inherently negative. If you want to talk about a 'bad social custom,' you can say '悪い風習' or simply '悪習'.

その国には、贈り物を強要する悪い風習がある。(That country has a bad custom of demanding gifts.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 慣習 (かんしゅう - kanshū). Kanshū is very similar to fūshū but is often used in business or legal contexts to mean 'conventional practice' or 'standard procedure'. If you are talking about the 'custom' of how a business contract is signed, kanshū is better. If you are talking about how a village welcomes the spring, fūshū is the right choice.

To truly master 風習, it helps to see it within its constellation of related terms. Japanese has many words for 'custom' and 'tradition,' each with its own specific flavor and domain. Understanding these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

風習 (fūshū) vs. 習慣 (shūkan)
風習: Social/Regional. 'The custom of this village.'
習慣: Personal/General. 'My habit of waking up early' or 'The general habit of Japanese people bowing.'
風習 (fūshū) vs. 伝統 (dentō)
風習: Folkways, local manners, often unwritten and organic.
伝統: Formal traditions, arts, or systems with historical prestige (e.g., Tea Ceremony, Imperial traditions).
風習 (fūshū) vs. 慣習 (kanshū)
風習: Cultural/Social flavor. Used for lifestyle and folk practices.
慣習: Procedural/Institutional. Used for 'conventional practices' in law, business, or formal organizations.

ビジネスの慣習 (Business convention) vs. 土地の風習 (Local custom).

Other alternatives include 習わし (narawashi), which is a softer, more native Japanese (wago) word for fūshū. It is often used in speech to sound less academic. For example, '古くからの習わし' (an old practice). There is also 風俗 (fūzoku), which in a broad sense refers to 'manners and customs' (as in the history of customs), but be careful as in modern Japanese it often refers to the adult entertainment industry.

Finally, しきたり (shikitari) is a word that emphasizes the 'rules' or 'formalities' of a tradition, often within a family or a specific group. If a bride is told she must follow the 'shikitari' of her new husband's family, it implies a set of strict, traditional rules she must obey. While fūshū is the broad custom, shikitari is the specific, often rigid, application of it.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient times, the kanji 風 (wind) was believed to carry the essence of a place's spirit or god. Therefore, fūshū wasn't just 'habits,' but the very spirit of the land being practiced by the people.

Guía de pronunciación

UK fɯː.ɕɯː
US fu.ʃu
Heiban (Flat) style. The pitch remains relatively level throughout the word.
Rima con
Shūshū (Collection) Kyūshū (Kyushu Island) Jūshū (Ten states) Tsūshū (Common usage) Chūshū (Mid-autumn) Nyūshū (Acquisition) Ryūshū (Flowing) Gyūshū (Cow's head)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'fu' like an English 'f' with teeth on lips.
  • Shortening the long vowels (fushu instead of fūshū).
  • Confusing the pitch with 'shūkan' (habit).
  • Over-rounding the lips for the 'u' sound.
  • Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji are N3/N2 level, but the concept is introduced early in cultural study.

Escritura 4/5

The kanji 習 is easy, but 風 in this context requires knowing it means 'style' not just 'wind'.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful for cultural exchange.

Escucha 2/5

Common in documentaries and travel shows.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

習慣 (shūkan) 伝統 (dentō) 文化 (bunka) 地域 (chiiki) 昔 (mukashi)

Aprende después

習わし (narawashi) しきたり (shikitari) 慣習 (kanshū) 民俗学 (minzokugaku) 儀式 (gishiki)

Avanzado

因習 (inshū) - Bad old custom 形骸化 (keigaika) - Becoming a mere shell 土着 (dochaku) - Indigenous 畏敬 (ikei) - Awe 連綿 (renmen) - Uninterrupted

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + という + Noun

豆をまくという風習 (The custom called throwing beans).

Noun + に従う

風習に従う (Follow the custom).

Noun + に基づく

風習に基づく行事 (Events based on custom).

Noun + とともに

時代の変化とともに風習も変わる (Customs change along with the times).

Passive Form (~れる/られる)

風習が守られている (Customs are being protected).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

これは古い風習です。

This is an old custom.

Simple A is B structure using the noun 風習.

2

日本の風習を知りたいです。

I want to know Japanese customs.

Using the particle 'の' to show possession/origin.

3

この村には珍しい風習があります。

There is a rare custom in this village.

Using 'あります' to show existence.

4

お正月の風習は何ですか?

What are the New Year's customs?

Question form using '何ですか'.

5

その風習は面白いですね。

That custom is interesting, isn't it?

Using an adjective to describe the custom.

6

新しい風習ができました。

A new custom was created.

Using the verb 'できる' (to be made/created).

7

この風習はいつからですか?

Since when has this custom existed?

Asking about the time of origin.

8

みんなでこの風習を守ります。

Everyone protects this custom together.

Using '守る' (to protect/keep).

1

土地の風習に従うことが大切です。

It is important to follow local customs.

Using 'に従う' (to follow/obey).

2

私の国には、結婚式の特別な風習があります。

In my country, there are special wedding customs.

Describing a specific type of custom.

3

昔からの風習を大切にしています。

We cherish customs from long ago.

Using '大切にする' (to value/cherish).

4

この風習は少し奇妙に見えるかもしれません。

This custom might look a little strange.

Using '見える' (to look/appear).

5

豆をまくという風習は有名です。

The custom of throwing beans is famous.

Using 'という' to define the custom.

6

都会では、古い風習が消えつつあります。

In the city, old customs are disappearing.

Using '消えつつある' (in the process of disappearing).

7

地域の風習について作文を書きました。

I wrote an essay about regional customs.

Using 'について' (about).

8

外国の風習を学ぶのは楽しいです。

Learning about foreign customs is fun.

Using '学ぶ' (to learn).

1

その風習がなぜ始まったのか、理由は分かっていません。

The reason why that custom began is not known.

Indirect question using 'なぜ...のか'.

2

若者の間では、こうした風習は敬遠されがちだ。

These customs tend to be avoided among young people.

Using '~がちだ' (tend to).

3

この地域独自の風習を次世代に引き継ぐ。

We will pass on this region's unique customs to the next generation.

Using '引き継ぐ' (to pass on/inherit).

4

風習に縛られすぎて、自由がないと感じることもある。

Sometimes I feel there is no freedom because I am too bound by customs.

Passive form '縛られる' (to be bound).

5

どの文化にも、理解しがたい風習があるものだ。

Every culture has customs that are hard to understand.

Using '~しがたい' (hard to do).

6

時代の変化とともに、風習も形を変えていく。

Along with the changes of the times, customs also change their form.

Using '~とともに' (along with).

7

彼は、土地の風習を熱心に研究している。

He is enthusiastically researching local customs.

Using the adverb '熱心に' (enthusiastically).

8

風習を無視すると、村の人々とトラブルになる可能性がある。

If you ignore customs, there is a possibility of getting into trouble with the villagers.

Using '無視する' (to ignore) and '可能性がある'.

1

その島には、死者を弔うための独特な風習が根付いている。

A unique custom for mourning the dead is deeply rooted on that island.

Using '根付いている' (to be rooted).

2

不合理な風習であっても、共同体の結束を強める役割を果たしている。

Even if it is an irrational custom, it plays a role in strengthening community solidarity.

Using '~であっても' (even if) and '役割を果たす'.

3

迷信に近い風習だが、今でも多くの人が信じている。

It's a custom close to superstition, but many people still believe in it today.

Using '~に近い' (close to).

4

柳田國男は、日本各地の風習を丹念に調査した。

Kunio Yanagita meticulously surveyed customs across Japan.

Referring to a historical figure.

5

封建的な風習が、近代化の妨げになることもあった。

Feudal customs sometimes became an obstacle to modernization.

Using '妨げになる' (to become an obstacle).

6

風習というものは、一度途絶えると復活させるのが難しい。

As for customs, once they die out, it is difficult to revive them.

Using '~というものは' for general statements.

7

グローバル化が進む中で、伝統的な風習の価値が見直されている。

Amid advancing globalization, the value of traditional customs is being re-evaluated.

Using '~中で' (amid/while).

8

冠婚葬祭にまつわる風習は、地域によって千差万別だ。

Customs related to ceremonial occasions vary infinitely by region.

Using 'にまつわる' (related to) and '千差万別' (extremely varied).

1

民俗学の視点から見れば、その風習には合理的な裏付けがあることが分かる。

From a folkloric perspective, it becomes clear that the custom has a rational basis.

Using '~の視点から見れば' (from the perspective of).

2

形骸化した風習を漫然と続けるのではなく、その精神を現代に活かすべきだ。

Rather than vaguely continuing hollowed-out customs, we should apply their spirit to the present day.

Using '形骸化した' (hollowed out/formalized).

3

その風習は、かつての農業社会における互助精神の現れであった。

That custom was a manifestation of the spirit of mutual aid in former agricultural societies.

Using '~の現れ' (manifestation/expression).

4

宗教的な儀礼と土着の風習が混ざり合い、独自の文化が形成された。

Religious rituals and indigenous customs blended to form a unique culture.

Using '混ざり合い' (blending together).

5

外部の人間が安易にその風習を批判することは、文化の否定に等しい。

For an outsider to easily criticize that custom is equivalent to a denial of culture.

Using '~に等しい' (equivalent to).

6

風習の変容過程を追うことで、当時の社会構造を垣間見ることができる。

By tracing the process of transformation of customs, we can catch a glimpse of the social structure of the time.

Using '垣間見る' (to catch a glimpse).

7

その風習は、自然の猛威に対する畏敬の念から生まれたものだ。

That custom was born out of a sense of awe toward the fury of nature.

Using '畏敬の念' (sense of awe).

8

因習を打破し、新しい風習を打ち立てるには多大なエネルギーを要する。

Breaking down old-fashioned conventions and establishing new customs requires a great deal of energy.

Using '要する' (to require).

1

前近代的な風習が、合理性を重んじる現代社会において如何なる変容を遂げるべきかは、議論の余地がある。

There is room for debate on how pre-modern customs should transform in a modern society that values rationality.

Complex sentence structure with '如何なる' (what kind of).

2

風習という名の社会的制約が、個人のアイデンティティ形成に及ぼす影響は無視できない。

The influence that social constraints in the name of custom exert on the formation of individual identity cannot be ignored.

Using '及ぼす' (to exert/cause).

3

文化人類学者は、その風習の中に潜む象徴的意味を解読しようと試みた。

Cultural anthropologists attempted to decode the symbolic meaning hidden within those customs.

Using '解読しようと試みた' (attempted to decode).

4

風習の衰退は、地域共同体の解体と密接に結びついている。

The decline of customs is closely linked to the dissolution of regional communities.

Using '密接に結びついている' (closely linked).

5

古来より連綿と続く風習を単なる迷信と切り捨てるのは、あまりに短絡的である。

To dismiss customs that have continued uninterrupted since ancient times as mere superstition is all too simplistic.

Using '連綿と続く' (uninterrupted/continuous).

6

その風習が内包するパラドックスを解明することが、本研究の主眼である。

The primary focus of this research is to elucidate the paradoxes inherent in that custom.

Using '内包する' (to contain/inherent).

7

風習は、静止したものではなく、常に再解釈され、再構築される動的なプロセスである。

Customs are not static entities but a dynamic process that is constantly reinterpreted and reconstructed.

Using '再構築される' (reconstructed).

8

国家の法体系と土地の風習が衝突した際、人々は往々にして後者を選択した。

When the national legal system and local customs clashed, people often chose the latter.

Using '往々にして' (frequently/often).

Antónimos

流行 新習

Colocaciones comunes

古い風習
土地の風習
独自の風習
風習を守る
風習に従う
風習を打破する
珍しい風習
伝統的な風習
悪い風習
風習が残る

Frases Comunes

古き良き風習

— The good old customs. Used to evoke nostalgia for traditional ways of life.

古き良き風習を大切にしたい。

郷に入っては郷の風習に従え

— When in a village, follow the village's customs. Similar to 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'.

郷に入っては郷の風習に従えと言うでしょう。

地域の風習

— Regional customs. Refers to practices specific to a certain area.

地域の風習を調査する。

結婚の風習

— Wedding customs. Refers to traditional marriage rituals.

結婚の風習は国によって違う。

お正月の風習

— New Year's customs. Refers to traditional activities done at the start of the year.

お正月の風習を子供に教える。

葬儀の風習

— Funeral customs. Refers to traditional mourning and burial practices.

葬儀の風習には地域差がある。

伝統と風習

— Tradition and customs. Often used together to describe cultural heritage.

伝統と風習を守り続ける。

封建的な風習

— Feudal customs. Often used negatively to describe outdated, rigid social rules.

封建的な風習を批判する。

昔ながらの風習

— Customs that have remained unchanged since long ago.

昔ながらの風習が残る町。

独特の風習

— Unique or peculiar customs.

この島には独特の風習がある。

Se confunde a menudo con

風習 vs 習慣 (shūkan)

Shūkan is for individual habits; fūshū is for collective social customs.

風習 vs 伝統 (dentō)

Dentō refers to grand, formal traditions; fūshū refers to folkways and local practices.

風習 vs 慣習 (kanshū)

Kanshū is for business or legal conventions; fūshū is for lifestyle and culture.

Modismos y expresiones

"郷に入っては郷に従う"

— When you enter a village, follow its ways. This is the idiomatic version of the custom proverb.

郷に入っては郷に従うのが、旅の基本だ。

Common Proverb
"風習に染まる"

— To become steeped in or influenced by the local customs.

彼はすっかり村の風習に染まった。

Metaphorical
"風習を重んじる"

— To place great importance on customs.

あの家は風習を重んじる家柄だ。

Formal
"風習をたどる"

— To trace the history or origin of a custom.

風習の起源をたどる旅。

Literary
"風習に倣う"

— To follow or imitate a custom.

古い風習に倣って儀式を行う。

Neutral
"風習が息づく"

— A custom is 'breathing' or alive in a place.

今も風習が息づく山里。

Poetic
"風習の壁"

— The barrier created by traditional customs (often preventing change).

風習の壁にぶつかる。

Metaphorical
"風習を紐解く"

— To unravel or explain the meaning of a custom.

土地の風習を紐解いていく。

Literary
"風習を尊ぶ"

— To respect and honor customs.

古き風習を尊ぶ心。

Formal
"風習を受け継ぐ"

— To inherit or take over a custom from predecessors.

私たちはこの風習を受け継いでいかなければならない。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

風習 vs 悪習 (akushu)

Both end in 'shū' and refer to practices.

Akushu is specifically for 'bad' habits or customs (like corruption). Fūshū is neutral but can be modified by 'warui' (bad).

賄賂の悪習 (The bad habit of bribery).

風習 vs 風俗 (fūzoku)

Both contain the 'fū' (wind) kanji and relate to customs.

Fūzoku is a broader term for 'manners and customs' in an academic sense, but in modern Japan, it often refers to the sex industry. Use fūshū to avoid ambiguity.

江戸の風俗 (Edo period customs).

風習 vs 慣例 (kanrei)

Both mean 'custom'.

Kanrei refers to a precedent or established way of doing things in a formal organization (like a company or government).

慣例に従って処理する (Process according to precedent).

風習 vs 癖 (kuse)

Means 'habit'.

Kuse is a personal quirk or a physical habit (like biting nails). Never used for social customs.

爪を噛む癖 (The habit of biting nails).

風習 vs 習わし (narawashi)

Direct synonym.

Narawashi is the native Japanese word (wago) for fūshū. It sounds less academic and more traditional/soft.

村の習わし (Village practice).

Patrones de oraciones

A1

AはBの風習です。

これは日本の風習です。

A2

[Place]には[Action]という風習があります。

この村には、冬に火を焚くという風習があります。

B1

[Place]の風習に従って、[Action]。

土地の風習に従って、お祭りに参加した。

B2

風習が[Verb-Passive]ている。

古い風習が今も大切に守られている。

B2

風習が[Noun]の妨げになる。

古い風習が近代化の妨げになる。

C1

[Noun]にまつわる風習。

死者にまつわる風習を研究する。

C1

風習を[Verb-Causative]。

新しい風習を根付かせる。

C2

風習という名の[Noun]。

風習という名の社会的制約。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

習慣 (shūkan) - Habit
悪習 (akushu) - Bad habit/custom
慣習 (kanshū) - Convention
習わし (narawashi) - Practice/Custom

Verbos

習う (narau) - To learn
学習する (gakushū suru) - To study

Adjetivos

風習的な (fūshū-teki na) - Customary (rarely used, usually just use the noun + no)

Relacionado

伝統 (dentō) - Tradition
文化 (bunka) - Culture
民俗 (minzoku) - Folklore
儀式 (gishiki) - Ritual
行事 (gyōji) - Event/Observance

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in cultural/historical contexts, medium in daily conversation.

Errores comunes
  • Using 風習 for personal habits. 習慣 (shūkan)

    風習 is only for groups/communities. You cannot have a 'personal fūshū'.

  • Confusing it with 復習 (fukushū - review). 風習 (fūshū)

    They sound similar, but 復習 (reviewing lessons) has a different first kanji and meaning.

  • Using it for business procedures. 慣習 (kanshū)

    Business 'customs' or 'procedures' are called kanshū, not fūshū.

  • Pronouncing it with short vowels (fushu). fūshū (long vowels)

    Shortening the vowels can change the meaning or make the word unrecognizable.

  • Calling a modern trend a 風習. 流行 (ryūkō)

    風習 must have historical depth. A new TikTok trend is not a fūshū.

Consejos

Pair with Place Names

Always try to pair 風習 with a place or group. Saying '日本の風習' or 'この村の風習' makes your Japanese sound much more natural and clear.

Use 'という'

When defining what the custom is, use the 'Action + という風習' pattern. For example: '豆をまくという風習' (The custom of throwing beans).

Choose your 'Custom'

Remember: 習慣 = Individual/Habit, 風習 = Community/Folk, 伝統 = High Culture/Tradition, 慣習 = Business/Law.

Respect Local Ways

When traveling in rural Japan, using the word 風習 shows you recognize and respect that their ways are part of a long heritage.

Look for it in NHK News

NHK often has segments on 'vanishing customs' (消えゆく風習). Watching these is a great way to hear the word in context.

Use '根付く'

To say a custom is 'deeply rooted,' use the verb 根付く (nezuku). It's a very common and sophisticated collocation.

Avoid Personal Use

Never say 'My fūshū is...' unless you are the king of a country or the founder of a village! Use '私の習慣' instead.

Listen for the 'Fū'

The 'Fū' in fūshū is the same as in 'fūkei' (scenery) or 'fūfu' (married couple). Recognizing the 'wind/style' kanji helps identify the word.

The Wind of Learning

Think of the kanji: Wind (風) + Learn (習). A custom is what you learn from the 'wind' (atmosphere) of your community.

Contrast with Law

In academic writing, contrast 風習 with 法律 (law) to discuss social versus legal control.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'Wind' (風) blowing through a village, and everyone 'Learning' (習) to dance exactly like the wind. That dance becomes their 'Fūshū' (social custom).

Asociación visual

Picture a traditional Japanese festival with everyone wearing the same local mask. The 'wind' of tradition is moving the whole crowd together.

Word Web

Community History Region Tradition Collective Unwritten Village Heritage

Desafío

Try to describe one unique 'fūshū' from your hometown using the sentence pattern: '私の故郷には、[Custom] という風習があります。'

Origen de la palabra

The word is composed of two kanji: 風 (kaze/fū) and 習 (narau/shū). It originated from classical Chinese where it described the 'wind' of social influence and the 'habits' people learned from it.

Significado original: The prevailing 'wind' or atmosphere of a region's lifestyle and the practices learned by its inhabitants.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when calling a custom 'strange' (hen) or 'weird' (okashii). Use 'unique' (doku-toku) or 'rare' (mezurashii) to remain respectful.

In English, we often use 'tradition' or 'custom' interchangeably, but fūshū specifically highlights the 'folk' or 'communal' aspect.

The works of Kunio Yanagita (The Legends of Tono). The 'Gion Matsuri' in Kyoto (often discussed as a set of fūshū). Okinawan burial customs (often cited as distinct fūshū).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Travel / Sightseeing

  • この地域の風習は何ですか?
  • 珍しい風習ですね。
  • 風習を体験したいです。
  • 土地の風習を尊重します。

History / Sociology

  • 風習の起源を調べる。
  • 古い風習が残っている。
  • 風習が社会に及ぼす影響。
  • 風習の変容を分析する。

Festivals / Events

  • お祭りの風習。
  • 伝統的な風習を守る。
  • 風習に従って儀式を行う。
  • 昔ながらの風習。

Family / Marriage

  • 家の風習。
  • 結婚式の風習。
  • 風習が厳しい。
  • 風習を引き継ぐ。

Critique / Change

  • 古い風習を打破する。
  • 時代遅れの風習。
  • 風習を廃止する。
  • 風習を見直す。

Inicios de conversación

"あなたの国には、お正月の特別な風習がありますか?"

"日本の風習で、一番驚いたことは何ですか?"

"最近は失われつつある風習についてどう思いますか?"

"地元にしかない珍しい風習を教えてください。"

"結婚式の風習は、昔と今でどう変わりましたか?"

Temas para diario

今日学んだ日本の風習について、自分の国の文化と比較して書いてみましょう。

もしあなたが新しい風習を作るとしたら、どんなものにしますか?

『郷に入っては郷の風習に従え』という言葉について、あなたの経験を書いてください。

自分が大切にしたいと思っている家族の風習について説明してください。

なぜ古い風習は現代社会でも残り続けているのだと思いますか?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you should use 習慣 (shūkan) for personal routines. 風習 (fūshū) is only for group or community customs. For example, 'I drink coffee every morning' is a 習慣, but 'This town drinks special tea every New Year' is a 風習.

It is generally neutral. It simply means 'a custom that exists.' However, it can be modified to be positive (古き良き風習 - good old customs) or negative (悪い風習 - bad customs). In some contexts, it might sound slightly 'outdated'.

伝統 (dentō) usually refers to 'high' traditions like Tea Ceremony, Kabuki, or long-standing national systems. 風習 (fūshū) refers to 'folk' traditions—the everyday manners, superstitions, and rituals of common people in a specific area.

The most common way is to use the verb 従う (shitagau), as in '風習に従う'. You can also use 守る (mamoru) to mean 'to observe' or 'to protect' a custom.

Not usually. In business, you would use 慣習 (kanshū) or 慣例 (kanrei) to refer to 'conventional practices' or 'precedents'. 風習 is more for culture and lifestyle.

No, for a trend you should use 流行 (ryūkō) or トレンド (torendo). 風習 implies a practice that has lasted for generations, not a temporary fad.

It's the Japanese equivalent of 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' It literally means 'When you enter a village, follow the village's customs.'

The kanji are taught in elementary school in Japan (風 is 2nd grade, 習 is 3rd grade). While they are common, learners should be careful with the strokes in 習 (two 'wings' over 'white').

Yes, many local customs in Japan are a mix of Shinto, Buddhism, and folk beliefs. You can use it to describe rituals performed at shrines or during Obon.

This is used when a traditional social practice is seen as harmful or unfair by modern standards, such as certain gender roles or exclusionary community rules.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

あなたの国や地域の「風習」を一つ紹介してください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

「郷に入っては郷の風習に従え」という言葉について、どう思いますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

「古い風習を守るべきだ」という意見について、賛成か反対か、理由を書いてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

あなたが最近知った、日本の面白い風習について説明してください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

「風習」と「習慣」の違いを、例文を使って説明してください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

時代遅れの風習(悪い風習)をなくすには、どうすればいいと思いますか?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

「風習」が地域社会に与える良い影響について書いてください。

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

あなたが子供の頃に体験した、家族独自の風習(しきたり)を教えてください。

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

グローバル化によって、地域の風習はどう変わると思いますか?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

「風習を守ること」と「個人の自由」が衝突した時、どちらを優先すべきですか?

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writing

日本のお正月の風習を三つ挙げてください。

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writing

「土地の風習」という言葉を使って、短い文章を作ってください。

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

「風習に従う」の反対の意味を持つ文章を書いてください。

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writing

なぜ人々は「風習」を大切にするのだと思いますか?

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writing

「風習」をテーマにした、物語の書き出しを一行書いてください。

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writing

「風習」という言葉を使って、日本の文化について一言述べてください。

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writing

あなたが「これは変えるべきだ」と思う社会の風習は何ですか?

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writing

「風習」と「法律」の違いを簡潔に述べてください。

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writing

観光客として、現地の風習にどう接するべきですか?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

「風習」という言葉を英語で説明してください。

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「風習」を使って、日本の文化について短く話してください。

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

あなたの国の一番有名な風習は何ですか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「郷に入っては郷の風習に従え」という言葉をどう思いますか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

最近、自分の周りでなくなった風習はありますか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

新しい風習を作るとしたら、どんなものがいいですか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「風習」と「習慣」の違いを説明してください。

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

日本の風習で、不思議だと思ったものはありますか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

風習を守ることは、なぜ大切だと思いますか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「悪い風習」という言葉を聞いて、何を思い浮かべますか?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

将来も残ってほしい風習は何ですか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

異国の風習に驚いた経験を話してください。

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「風習」という言葉の漢字を覚えるコツはありますか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

文化の違いを乗り越えるために、風習をどう学ぶべきですか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「風習」という言葉を使って、自己紹介に関連した話をしてください。

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

風習が観光に与える影響について意見を述べてください。

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「風習に縛られる」という表現をどう解釈しますか?

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speaking

子供に風習を教える時、何が一番大切だと思いますか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

「土地の風習」を英語で説明してみてください。

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

好きな日本の風習を一つ選んで、その理由を教えてください。

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

風習がなくなることは、文化の損失だと思いますか?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「この地域には古くから伝わる珍しい風習があります。」 この文章で、風習はどう説明されていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「お正月の風習について、インタビューを行いました。」 何についてのインタビューですか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「郷に入っては郷の風習に従えと言うでしょう。まずは地元のやり方を学んでください。」 話し手は何を勧めていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「古い風習を打破し、新しい時代を築く必要があります。」 話し手は風習をどうしたいと言っていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「この島独自の風習は、今も大切に守られています。」 その風習はどうなっていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「ビジネスの慣習と土地の風習は、分けて考えるべきだ。」 何と何を分けるべきだと言っていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「彼女は各地の風習を研究するために、日本中を旅している。」 彼女は何のために旅をしていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「結婚式の風習は、地域によって千差万別です。」 結婚式の風習はどうだと言っていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「昔ながらの風習が残る、静かな町ですね。」 この町には何が残っていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「風習というものは、一度途絶えると復活させるのが難しい。」 風習について、何が難しいと言っていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「贈り物をする風習は、感謝の気持ちを表す方法の一つです。」 贈り物をする風習は何の方法だと言っていますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「その風習の起源については、諸説あります。」 風習の何について諸説ありますか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「村の風習に従って、儀式が行われました。」 儀式はどう行われましたか?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「伝統と風習を重んじる家柄です。」 その家柄は何を重んじていますか?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

「時代に合わない風習は見直すべきだという意見が増えています。」 どのような意見が増えていますか?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

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