Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "習慣", "慣例", "慣行", "仕来り"
All represent the core concept "custom", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
習慣
しゅうかん (shūkan)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
慣例
かんれい (kanrei)
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 "習慣", "慣例", "慣行", "仕来り" based on context.
- 習慣 (しゅうかん (shūkan) - Level: N4): Maps to "custom, habit" and is used when A regular practice or routine. Can refer to personal habits or societal customs..
- 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 "習慣"
早起きは良い習慣です。
Waking up early is a good habit.
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: "早起きは良い ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "Waking up early is a good habit.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "習慣" is correct here because it represents "custom, habit" in the context: "Waking up early is a good habit.".