When you hear 伝説 (densetsu), think of an old, famous story that people have told for a long time. It's like a special tale passed down through generations.
These stories might be about heroes, amazing events, or even mysterious creatures. Sometimes people believe they really happened, even if there's no proof.
You might hear 伝説 when people talk about ancient times or a famous, old local story in Japan.
When you hear 伝説 (densetsu), think of it as a story that has been passed down through generations. It’s like a legend in English – something that might be based on historical events but has taken on a life of its own through storytelling.
You'll often find this word used when talking about old folk tales, myths, or even famous historical figures whose lives have become larger than life. It implies a sense of wonder and often a long history behind the tale.
When talking about 伝説 (densetsu), it refers to stories passed down through generations, often blending fact and fiction. Think of it like a traditional tale or a myth. It can also describe someone or something that has achieved legendary status due to their remarkable feats or reputation.
§ Don't Confuse 伝説 with 事実 (jijitsu - fact)
One of the biggest mistakes English speakers make with 伝説 (densetsu) is treating it like a verifiable fact. Remember, 伝説 specifically refers to a story or account that is traditional and often lacks concrete proof. While it might be popularly regarded as historical, that doesn't make it true. Don't use 伝説 when you mean something that has been confirmed or proven.
§ Using 伝説 for Personal Anecdotes
伝説 isn't for your personal stories, no matter how exciting or memorable they are. If your friend tells a wild story about something that happened last weekend, that's just a story (話 - hanashi) or an anecdote (逸話 - itsuwa), not a 伝説. 伝説 implies something that has been around for a long time and is part of a collective cultural memory, not a recent personal experience.
彼の話は伝説ではない、ただの面白い話だ。
- Hint
- His story is not a legend, it's just an interesting story.
§ Overusing 伝説
While 伝説 is a cool word, don't sprinkle it everywhere. It carries a certain weight and historical/cultural implication. If you're talking about a popular figure or an event that is widely admired but not necessarily a traditional tale, there are better words. For example, a 'legendary' athlete might be better described using '偉大な選手' (idai na senshu - great athlete) or '歴史的な選手' (rekishiteki na senshu - historic athlete) rather than a literal 伝説.
Consider the context. Is it truly a traditional story, passed down through generations? Or is it simply something widely known and admired in a contemporary sense? If it's the latter, choose a more precise word.
§ Not Understanding the Nuance of 'Popularly Regarded'
The definition mentions 'sometimes popularly regarded as historical.' This is a key nuance. It means people *believe* it might be historical, but there's no solid proof. It's not the same as saying it *is* historical. This distinction is crucial in Japanese just as it is in English. Don't let the 'historical' part trick you into thinking it's fact.
In summary, to avoid mistakes with 伝説:
- Don't equate it with proven facts.
- Don't use it for personal stories or recent events.
- Don't overuse it; choose more precise words when appropriate.
- Understand that 'popularly regarded as historical' doesn't mean 'is historical.'
By keeping these points in mind, you'll use 伝説 more accurately and sound more natural in your Japanese. Keep practicing!
§ Understanding 伝説 (densetsu)
The Japanese word 伝説 (densetsu) is a noun and it means 'a legend' or 'a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical'. It's rated at CEFR B1, so it's a good word to add to your intermediate vocabulary.
- Japanese Word
- 伝説 (densetsu)
- Meaning
- A legend, a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical.
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ Examples of 伝説 (densetsu) in use
この地域には古い伝説がたくさんあります。
This region has many old legends.
彼はバスケットボール界の伝説だ。
He is a legend in the basketball world.
§ Similar words and when to use them
When you're talking about stories or narratives, you might encounter a few Japanese words that seem similar to 伝説. Let's break them down so you know when to use which one.
物語 (monogatari): This is a general term for 'story', 'tale', or 'narrative'. It can be fiction or non-fiction, and doesn't necessarily have to be old or historical. It's a very broad term.
子供たちは寝る前に物語を聞きたがった。
The children wanted to hear a story before bed.
神話 (shinwa): This specifically refers to 'mythology' or 'myth'. These are sacred narratives that explain the world, origins, or human customs, often involving gods or supernatural beings. While a myth is a type of traditional story, it has a more specific, often religious or cosmological context than a general legend.
ギリシャ神話には多くの面白い話があります。
There are many interesting stories in Greek mythology.
逸話 (itsuwa): This means 'anecdote' or 'personal story'. It's usually a short, amusing, or interesting story about a real incident or person. It's not necessarily old or widely known, unlike a legend.
先生はよく授業中に面白い逸話を話してくれた。
The teacher often told interesting anecdotes during class.
§ Key Differences Summarized
Here’s a quick way to remember the main differences:
伝説 (densetsu): A traditional, often historical or heroic story that may or may not be true. It's usually old and passed down through generations.
物語 (monogatari): A general term for any story or narrative, fictional or non-fictional.
神話 (shinwa): A sacred, often ancient story explaining origins or beliefs, usually involving gods or supernatural elements.
逸話 (itsuwa): A short, interesting, and often personal story about a real event or person.
When you want to refer to a widely known, often old, and possibly historical but unverified tale, 伝説 is the word you're looking for. If it's a story of gods and creation, use 神話. For any general story, go with 物語. And if it's a short, personal, and amusing account, then 逸話 is your best bet.
难度评级
Two common kanji. '伝' (den) is commonly used in words like '伝える' (tsutaeru - to convey) and '伝説' (densetsu). '説' (setsu) is seen in words like '説明' (setsumei - explanation) and '小説' (shousetsu - novel). Both are common enough that learners at B1 should be familiar with them or able to recognize them in context.
Writing these two kanji requires a moderate number of strokes and attention to stroke order, but they are not overly complex. Practice writing both kanji individually and then as part of the word.
The pronunciation 'densetsu' is straightforward, following standard Japanese phonetics. No difficult sounds or complex intonation patterns.
Easy to distinguish in spoken Japanese once the pronunciation is known. The context usually makes its meaning clear.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
N + の + 伝説 (N no densetsu): To say 'the legend of N', use particle の (no) to connect the noun N to 伝説 (densetsu).
山の伝説 (yama no densetsu): The legend of the mountain.
伝説によると (densetsu ni yoru to): To say 'according to legend', use this fixed phrase.
伝説によると、この森には神が住んでいる (densetsu ni yoru to, kono mori ni wa kami ga sunde iru): According to legend, a god lives in this forest.
伝説的な + N (densetsu-teki na N): To describe a noun as 'legendary', use the な-adjective form 伝説的な (densetsu-teki na).
伝説的な剣 (densetsu-teki na ken): A legendary sword.
伝説となる (densetsu to naru): To say 'to become a legend', use particle と (to) with なる (naru).
彼の活躍は伝説となるだろう (kare no katsuyaku wa densetsu to naru darō): His achievements will probably become a legend.
伝説を残す (densetsu o nokosu): To say 'to leave behind a legend', use particle を (o) with 残す (nokosu).
彼は多くの伝説を残した (kare wa ōku no densetsu o nokoshita): He left behind many legends.
按水平分级的例句
その地域には多くの古い伝説が残っています。
Many old legends remain in that region.
彼はサッカー界の生ける伝説だ。
He is a living legend in the soccer world.
この話は単なる都市伝説だ。
This story is just an urban legend.
伝説によると、この森には不思議な生き物が住んでいるそうです。
According to legend, strange creatures live in this forest.
その歌手は伝説的な存在として語り継がれている。
That singer is handed down as a legendary figure.
伝説の剣を探す旅に出た。
I set off on a journey to find the legendary sword.
彼の冒険は伝説となりました。
His adventure became a legend.
これは古くから伝わる伝説です。
This is a legend passed down from ancient times.
その地域には、山に住む神秘的な生き物の伝説が伝わっています。
That region has a legend about a mysterious creature living in the mountains.
「〜が伝わる」 (ga tsutawaru) means "to be handed down" or "to be passed on" (as in a tradition or story).
彼は現代のバスケットボール界の生ける伝説だ。
He is a living legend in the modern basketball world.
「生ける伝説」 (ikeru densetsu) is a common fixed expression meaning "living legend".
伝説によると、この剣は邪悪な力を打ち破ることができるらしい。
According to legend, this sword can defeat evil powers.
「伝説によると」 (densetsu ni yoru to) means "according to legend".
その伝説的な歌手は、多くの若手アーティストに影響を与えました。
That legendary singer influenced many young artists.
「伝説的な」 (densetsuteki na) is the adjectival form, meaning "legendary".
この古い寺には、創建に関する興味深い伝説があります。
This old temple has an interesting legend about its founding.
「〜に関する」 (ni kansuru) means "concerning" or "related to".
彼の冒険は、やがて伝説となるだろう。
His adventures will eventually become a legend.
「〜となる」 (to naru) means "to become".
私たちは、失われた財宝の伝説を追い求めて旅に出た。
We embarked on a journey in search of the legend of lost treasure.
「〜を追い求める」 (o oimotomeru) means "to pursue" or "to seek after".
その村では、毎年夏に伝説の祭りが開催されます。
In that village, a legendary festival is held every summer.
「伝説の祭り」 (densetsu no matsuri) is an example of '伝説' modifying another noun directly using 'の' (no).
小贴士
Learn the Kanji for 伝説
The kanji for 伝説 are 伝 (den) meaning 'to transmit, hand down' and 説 (setsu) meaning 'theory, explanation, rumor'. Understanding these individual kanji can help you remember the meaning of the word.
Listen for 伝説 in stories
Try to spot 伝説 when you're listening to Japanese podcasts, watching anime, or reading manga that involve traditional stories or folklore. This helps with contextual understanding.
Use a dictionary to see example sentences
When you encounter a new word like 伝説, always look it up in a reliable Japanese dictionary to see how it's used in different example sentences. This shows you its natural usage.
Practice saying 伝説 aloud
Don't just read it; say 伝説 out loud several times. This helps with pronunciation and commits the word to your active vocabulary.
Associate 伝説 with English words
Think of English words like 'legendary' or 'tradition' that are related. This can create a stronger memory link for 伝説.
Write 伝説 in sentences
Try to construct your own simple Japanese sentences using 伝説. For example: この町には古い伝説がたくさんあります。 (This town has many old legends.)
Japanese folklore often features 伝説
Many famous Japanese stories, such as those about yokai (supernatural beings) or ancient heroes, are considered 伝説. Learning about them can make the word more vivid.
Distinguish 伝説 from 神話 (myth)
While similar, 伝説 (legend) often has a historical basis, even if embellished, whereas 神話 (shinwa - myth) usually deals with gods and creation stories. Knowing the difference helps with nuance.
Review 伝説 regularly
Use spaced repetition systems (like Anki) to review 伝説 periodically. This prevents you from forgetting it and reinforces your memory.
Don't confuse 伝説 with 伝統 (tradition)
While related, 伝統 (dentō) refers to 'tradition' or 'custom', while 伝説 specifically means 'legend' or 'folktale'. Be careful not to mix them up due to similar kanji and sounds.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of it this way: 'Densetsu' sounds a bit like 'dense set zoo'. Imagine a 'dense set' of people at a 'zoo' listening to a 'legendary' storyteller.
视觉联想
Picture an old, wise storyteller surrounded by a captivated audience, illuminated by a warm fire. In the background, imagine iconic elements from famous legends, like a dragon, a samurai, or a mythical creature, subtly intertwined with modern-day landmarks, showing how legends persist.
Word Web
挑战
Try to tell a short, simple story using '伝説'. For example, you could say: 「日本にはたくさんの古い伝説があります。」(Nihon ni wa takusan no furui densetsu ga arimasu.) - 'There are many old legends in Japan.' Or: 「その伝説は千年前に始まったと言われています。」(Sono densetsu wa sennen mae ni hajimatta to iwarete imasu.) - 'That legend is said to have started a thousand years ago.'
在生活中练习
真实语境
Talking about famous stories or folklore
- その伝説は有名です。
- 日本の伝説が好きです。
- 伝説によると、それは本当です。
Describing something that is very well known or iconic
- 彼は伝説的な野球選手です。
- そのお寺は伝説的な美しさです。
- 伝説的なゲームです。
Referring to something that is historical but possibly embellished
- これは伝説の時代からの物語です。
- 伝説的な英雄がいたそうです。
- 歴史と伝説が混ざっています。
Discussing myths or fantastical tales
- 伝説の生き物が登場します。
- その伝説はとても面白いです。
- 子供の頃、伝説をよく読みました。
When speaking about a person's reputation or legacy
- 彼の伝説は生き続けるでしょう。
- 伝説に残るパフォーマンスでした。
- 彼は真の伝説です。
对话开场白
"一番好きな日本の伝説は何ですか？"
"あなたの国に有名な伝説はありますか？"
"伝説と歴史の違いは何だと思いますか？"
"伝説的な人物に会ってみたいですか？"
"どんな伝説の物語が好きですか？"
日记主题
もしあなたが伝説の主人公だったら、どんな物語になりますか？
あなたが知っている伝説を一つ選んで、その内容を説明してください。
伝説が現代社会に与える影響について考えてみましょう。
もしタイムマシンがあったら、どの伝説の時代に行ってみたいですか？
あなたにとって「伝説的」とはどういう意味ですか？
自我测试 54 个问题
Write a short sentence using 「でんせつ」 (densetsu) meaning 'legend.' For example, think about a famous story or an old tale.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この山には古い伝説があります。 (Kono yama ni wa furui densetsu ga arimasu. - This mountain has an old legend.)
Imagine you are talking about a popular folktale in Japan. Write a simple sentence using 「でんせつ」 (densetsu) to describe it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
これは日本の有名な伝説です。 (Kore wa Nihon no yūmei na densetsu desu. - This is a famous Japanese legend.)
You heard a very old story from your grandmother. Write a sentence saying it's a 'legend' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
祖母から伝説を聞きました。 (Sobo kara densetsu o kikimashita. - I heard a legend from my grandmother.)
人々は何を信じていましたか？ (What did the people believe?)
Read this passage:
昔々、あるところに大きな森がありました。その森には、美しい湖がありました。人々はその湖に、龍が住んでいるという伝説を信じていました。
人々は何を信じていましたか？ (What did the people believe?)
The passage states, 「人々はその湖に、龍が住んでいるという伝説を信じていました。」 (People believed the legend that a dragon lived in that lake.)
The passage states, 「人々はその湖に、龍が住んでいるという伝説を信じていました。」 (People believed the legend that a dragon lived in that lake.)
何を聞きに多くの人がお寺を訪れますか？ (What do many people visit the temple to hear?)
Read this passage:
この町には、古いお寺があります。そのお寺には、不思議な力を持つ石の伝説があります。多くの人がその伝説を聞きに訪れます。
何を聞きに多くの人がお寺を訪れますか？ (What do many people visit the temple to hear?)
The passage says, 「多くの人がその伝説を聞きに訪れます。」 (Many people visit to hear that legend.) The legend is about the stone.
The passage says, 「多くの人がその伝説を聞きに訪れます。」 (Many people visit to hear that legend.) The legend is about the stone.
子供たちは何の話を聞きましたか？ (What story did the children hear?)
Read this passage:
子供たちは、夜、おばあちゃんから面白い話を聞きました。それは、山に住む動物たちの伝説でした。子供たちは、その伝説が大好きです。
子供たちは何の話を聞きましたか？ (What story did the children hear?)
The passage states, 「それは、山に住む動物たちの伝説でした。」 (It was a legend of animals living in the mountain.)
The passage states, 「それは、山に住む動物たちの伝説でした。」 (It was a legend of animals living in the mountain.)
In Japanese, the topic (これ) comes first, followed by the particle は, then the possessive phrase (私の本), and finally the copula (です).
The basic sentence structure is Subject (私) + は + Noun (学生) + です.
To form a question, add か at the end of a statement. The structure is Topic (これ) + は + Noun (りんご) + です + か.
この村には古い___がたくさんあります。
「伝説」は古い言い伝えや物語を指します。他の選択肢は文脈に合いません。
そのお寺には不思議な___があります。
お寺の歴史や由来には「伝説」がよく関連付けられます。
子供の頃、よく祖母から日本の___を聞きました。
祖母が語るような昔話は「伝説」が適切です。
この山には龍の___が残っています。
龍などの神話的な生き物の話は「伝説」に分類されます。
彼らの話はまるで___のようです。
現実離れした素晴らしい話に対して「伝説」を使います。
その島には海賊の___が伝えられています。
海賊のような過去の出来事や人物に関する言い伝えは「伝説」です。
Write a short sentence about a famous legend you know. (e.g., a legend from your country or a well-known story).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の国には、竜が宝を守る伝説があります。 (My country has a legend about a dragon guarding treasure.)
Imagine you are telling a friend about a local legend. Write one sentence to start your story.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昔々、この町には不思議な伝説がありました。 (Long, long ago, there was a strange legend in this town.)
Write a short sentence about why people tell legends.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
人々は歴史や教訓を伝えるために伝説を話します。 (People tell legends to pass on history and lessons.)
この村にはどんな伝説がありますか？
Read this passage:
この村には、山の神様の伝説があります。その神様は、村を守ってくれると言われています。毎年、村人たちは神様に感謝するためにお祭りを開きます。
この村にはどんな伝説がありますか？
文章の冒頭に「山の神様の伝説があります」と書かれています。 (It says 'there is a legend of the mountain god' at the beginning of the passage.)
文章の冒頭に「山の神様の伝説があります」と書かれています。 (It says 'there is a legend of the mountain god' at the beginning of the passage.)
この伝説は誰についてですか？
Read this passage:
昔、一人の勇敢な侍がいました。彼は村を悪者から守り、その行動は伝説となりました。今でも、彼の物語は語り継がれています。
この伝説は誰についてですか？
文章の2文目に「彼は村を悪者から守り、その行動は伝説となりました」とあります。 (The second sentence says 'he protected the village from evil, and his actions became a legend'.)
文章の2文目に「彼は村を悪者から守り、その行動は伝説となりました」とあります。 (The second sentence says 'he protected the village from evil, and his actions became a legend'.)
桃太郎の伝説は何を教えていますか？
Read this passage:
日本の有名な伝説の一つに、桃太郎の物語があります。桃から生まれた男の子が鬼を退治するという話です。この伝説は、子供たちに勇気を教えます。
桃太郎の伝説は何を教えていますか？
文章の最後の文に「この伝説は、子供たちに勇気を教えます」とあります。 (The last sentence says 'this legend teaches children courage'.)
文章の最後の文に「この伝説は、子供たちに勇気を教えます」とあります。 (The last sentence says 'this legend teaches children courage'.)
The legend is really interesting.
The village has many old legends.
He became a legendary hero.
Read this aloud:
日本の伝説について話しましょう。
Focus: でんせつ (de-n-se-tsu)
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
この伝説は千年以上前から伝わっています。
Focus: せんねんいじょう (se-n-ne-n-i-jo-o)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
伝説の生き物がこの森に住んでいると言われています。
Focus: いきもの (i-ki-mo-no)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Use 「伝説」in a Japanese sentence to describe a famous old story in your country.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の国には、古い伝説がたくさんあります。 (My country has many old legends.)
Imagine you're telling someone about a legendary hero. Write a short Japanese sentence using 「伝説」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼は伝説の英雄です。 (He is a legendary hero.)
Write a Japanese sentence about something that is considered legendary in a specific field, like music or sports, using 「伝説」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
その歌手は伝説的です。 (That singer is legendary.)
この村には何の伝説がありましたか？ (What kind of legend was there in this village?)
Read this passage:
昔々、この村には龍の伝説がありました。龍は村を守り、毎年豊かな収穫をもたらしたと言われています。村人たちは龍を神様のように崇めていました。
この村には何の伝説がありましたか？ (What kind of legend was there in this village?)
文章には「龍の伝説」と書かれています。 (The passage states '龍の伝説'.)
文章には「龍の伝説」と書かれています。 (The passage states '龍の伝説'.)
この伝説の登場人物は誰ですか？ (Who is the character in this legend?)
Read this passage:
その山には、美しい仙女の伝説があります。彼女は森の中で困っている人を助けたと言われています。今でも、その仙女を信じる人がいます。
この伝説の登場人物は誰ですか？ (Who is the character in this legend?)
文章には「美しい仙女の伝説」と書かれています。 (The passage states '美しい仙女の伝説'.)
文章には「美しい仙女の伝説」と書かれています。 (The passage states '美しい仙女の伝説'.)
話し手は何の伝説が好きでしたか？ (What kind of legend did the speaker like?)
Read this passage:
私の祖母は、よく古い伝説を話してくれました。それらの話はいつも面白くて、私をわくわくさせました。特に、隠された宝の伝説が好きでした。
話し手は何の伝説が好きでしたか？ (What kind of legend did the speaker like?)
文章の最後に「特に、隠された宝の伝説が好きでした。」とあります。 (At the end of the passage, it says '特に、隠された宝の伝説が好きでした.')
文章の最後に「特に、隠された宝の伝説が好きでした。」とあります。 (At the end of the passage, it says '特に、隠された宝の伝説が好きでした.')
This sentence means 'That legend has been passed down for centuries.' The order follows a typical Japanese sentence structure: topic, then duration, then the verb.
This sentence means 'There are many old legends in Japan.' '日本には' sets the location, followed by the description of '伝説', and finally 'あります' (there are).
This sentence means 'He spoke about the local legend.' '彼は' is the subject, '地域の伝説について' specifies what he spoke about, and '話しました' is the verb.
その地域の古い神社には、不思議な___が残っています。
文脈から、神社に残る『不思議な話』は「伝説」が最も適切です。'歴史'は単なる過去の出来事、'物語'はフィクションも含む、'事実'は証明可能な出来事を指します。
彼は故郷の山に伝わる___を熱心に語った。
故郷の山に『伝わる話』であり、語られる内容としては「伝説」が自然です。'意見'、'情報'、'報告'は伝聞される内容としては不自然です。
その湖には昔から人魚の___があると言われている。
『人魚の___があると言われている』という表現から、語り継がれる奇妙な話、つまり「伝説」が適切です。'想像'、'憶測'、'知識'は文脈に合いません。
この村には、龍が住んでいたという___が語り継がれています。
『龍が住んでいたという___が語り継がれている』という表現は、歴史的事実ではないが語り継がれる話を指すため、「伝説」が最も適切です。'科学'や'真実'、'ニュース'は不自然です。
彼女は世界中の___を調べて、その共通点を見つけようとしている。
『世界中の___を調べて、その共通点を見つける』という文脈では、語り継がれる物語や伝承を指す「伝説」が適切です。'技術'、'経済'、'政治'は文脈に合いません。
その映画は古代の___に基づいて作られたファンタジー作品だ。
『古代の___に基づいて作られたファンタジー作品』という文脈で、物語の源となるのは「伝説」が最も適切です。'法律'、'論理'、'規則'はファンタジー作品の基盤としては不自然です。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: その山には、古代の___が語り継がれています。
The sentence speaks of something passed down about an ancient mountain. While '歴史' (history) and '物語' (story) could fit, '伝説' (legend) specifically refers to traditional stories, often with a historical basis but not necessarily factual, making it the best fit in this context for something '語り継がれる' (passed down by word of mouth) over time about an ancient site. '神話' (myth) is typically about gods and creation, which is less appropriate here.
Which sentence uses '伝説' correctly to describe a famous person from the past?
While '伝説' can refer to a legendary person, options 1 and 2 imply a 'living legend' or someone 'becoming a legend' in a contemporary context, which is not the primary meaning of 伝説 as a 'traditional story' or 'historical account'. Option 4 refers to 'legendary food', which is a valid usage but doesn't directly describe a person. Option 3 best uses '伝説' in the sense of a historical or traditional story about a person's deeds, passed down through generations, making his brave actions part of the village's lore.
Select the sentence where '伝説' is used to refer to a widely known, but possibly not entirely true, story.
Option 1 implies that there are many traditional stories about the founding of the country, which might be partly historical but also contain elements of popular belief or exaggeration, fitting the definition of 'legend' as a 'traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical'. Option 2 uses '伝説' as something disproven, which is plausible but not the best fit for the 'widely known but possibly not true' aspect of the definition. Option 3 uses '伝説' in the sense of a 'legendary' person, while option 4 indicates a story 'based on' legends, rather than being the legend itself. Option 1 directly expresses the nature of such traditional, possibly embellished, stories.
「伝説」は、一般的に信じられているが、必ずしも事実ではない物語を指すことが多い。
This statement is true. '伝説' (legend) often refers to traditional stories that are widely believed but may not be entirely factual, aligning with the definition 'a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical'.
「伝説」は、未来に起こると予想される出来事について語るためにのみ使用される。
This statement is false. '伝説' primarily refers to stories from the past that have been passed down. While some legends might contain prophecies or future-oriented elements, its core meaning is not exclusively about predicting future events; rather, it recounts traditional narratives from history or folklore.
歴史的に正確な出来事を記述する場合、「伝説」という言葉を使用するのが最も適切である。
This statement is false. While legends can have historical roots, they are not necessarily historically accurate in their entirety. For describing strictly historically accurate events, terms like '歴史' (history) or '史実' (historical fact) would be more appropriate. '伝説' often implies a degree of embellishment or popular belief over strict factual reporting.
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Learn the Kanji for 伝説
The kanji for 伝説 are 伝 (den) meaning 'to transmit, hand down' and 説 (setsu) meaning 'theory, explanation, rumor'. Understanding these individual kanji can help you remember the meaning of the word.
Listen for 伝説 in stories
Try to spot 伝説 when you're listening to Japanese podcasts, watching anime, or reading manga that involve traditional stories or folklore. This helps with contextual understanding.
Use a dictionary to see example sentences
When you encounter a new word like 伝説, always look it up in a reliable Japanese dictionary to see how it's used in different example sentences. This shows you its natural usage.
Practice saying 伝説 aloud
Don't just read it; say 伝説 out loud several times. This helps with pronunciation and commits the word to your active vocabulary.
例句
この山には古い伝説が残っている。
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
更多history词汇
王朝
A2A succession of rulers from the same family.
人物
A2A person, especially one of importance or character.
貴重な
A2Valuable, precious, or priceless.
歴史的
A2Historical, pertaining to history, or historic.
中世の
B1Relating to the Middle Ages (roughly 5th to 15th century).
重要な
A2Of great significance or value.
歴史家
B1A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
一方で
A2On the other hand, meanwhile, or while.
〜世紀
A2A suffix indicating a specific century.
将軍
B1A shogun, a military dictator of Japan during feudal times.
