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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Custom" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "custom", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

慣行

かんこう (kankou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

仕来り

しきたり (shikitari)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "custom" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 慣行 and 仕来り. In Japanese, 慣行 (かんこう (kankou)) is typically associated with "custom, practice, convention" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A long-established practice or custom, often formal or traditional. Similar to 習慣. On the other hand, 仕来り (しきたり (shikitari)) maps to "custom, tradition, established practice" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to practices and rules that have been passed down through generations within a community, family, or organization. Often implies a sense of obligation or long-standing norm that is expected to be followed.. A literal translation of "custom" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "慣行"
この地域では、古くからの慣行が今も残っている。
In this region, ancient customs still remain.
Bilingual Context for "仕来り"
この地域には古い仕来りがたくさん残っている。
Many old customs remain in this region.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "この地域では、古くからの ___ が今も残っている。" (Meaning: "In this region, ancient customs still remain.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "慣行" fits here because it means "custom, practice, convention" in the context of: "In this region, ancient customs still remain.". "仕来り" represents "custom, tradition, established practice".

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