Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "習慣", "慣例", "慣行", "風習"
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
風習
ふうしゅう (fūshū)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "custom" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "習慣", "慣例", "慣行", "風習" 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.
- 風習 (ふうしゅう (fūshū) - Level: N2): Maps to "custom, tradition" and is used when A customary practice or tradition passed down in a region or community, often related to culture or daily life..
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 "風習"
この地方には、昔から伝わるユニークな風習がたくさんある。
There are many unique customs that have been passed down since ancient times 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.".