Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "慣例", "慣習", "慣行", "仕来り"
All represent the core concept "custom", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
慣例
かんれい (kanrei)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
慣習
かんしゅう (kanshuu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
慣行
かんこう (kankou)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
仕来り
しきたり (shikitari)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "custom" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "慣例", "慣習", "慣行", "仕来り" based on context.
- 慣例 (かんれい (kanrei) - Level: N2): Maps to "custom, precedent, established practice" and is used when 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'..
- 慣習 (かんしゅう (kanshuu) - Level: N2): Maps to "custom, tradition, long-standing practice" and is used when Similar to 慣例 but often implies something deeper rooted in a specific society or group, often with historical or cultural significance. It's often unwritten and deeply ingrained, referring to social norms..
- 慣行 (かんこう (kankou) - Level: N2): Maps to "custom, practice, convention" and is used when A long-established practice or custom, often formal or traditional. Similar to 習慣.
- 仕来り (しきたり (shikitari) - Level: N2): Maps to "custom, tradition, established practice" and is used when 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..
Context 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.
Context for "慣習"
その村には独特の結婚の慣習がある。
That village has unique marriage customs.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "歓迎会を開くのがこの会社の ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "It's customary for this company to hold a welcome party.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "慣例" is correct here because it represents "custom, precedent, established practice" in the context: "It's customary for this company to hold a welcome party.".