Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "規定" vs "慣例"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
規定
きてい (kitei)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
慣例
かんれい (kanrei)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 規定 and 慣例 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
規定 (きてい (kitei)) represents "regulation, rule, provision" (Level: N2) and typically represents Often used in formal contexts for established rules or laws within organizations, institutions, or official documents. Implies a binding set of rules..
On the other hand, 慣例 (かんれい (kanrei)) translates to "custom, precedent, established practice" (Level: N2) and is used for Refers to a practice that has become established over time, often informally, and is generally followed, but not necessarily a strict written rule. It's about 'what is usually done'.. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "規定"
会社の就業規定を読む。
I read the company's work regulations.
Bilingual Sentence for "慣例"
歓迎会を開くのがこの会社の慣例だ。
It's customary for this company to hold a welcome party.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会社の就業 ＿＿＿ を読む。" (Meaning: "I read the company's work regulations.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "規定" fits here because it represents "regulation, rule, provision" in the context: "I read the company's work regulations.".