Translation and Meaning of: 伝統 - dentou

The Japanese word 伝統 (でんとう, dentou) carries a profound meaning and is directly linked to Japan's culture. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding like this is essential to immerse yourself in the Japanese mindset and values. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday use of this word, as well as how it relates to Japanese society.

Meaning and Translation of 伝統

Tradition can be translated as "tradição," but its meaning goes beyond the mere repetition of customs. In Japan, this word is associated with practices, knowledge, and values ed down through generations. It represents the preservation of a cultural identity that shapes Japanese society to this day.

Unlike words like 習慣 (しゅうかん, shuukan), which refer to individual or social habits, 伝統 carries historical and collective weight. When Japanese people speak of 伝統, they are generally referring to ceremonies, martial arts, festivals, or craftsmanship techniques that have stood the test of time.

Origin and Usage in the Japanese Language

The composition of the kanji 伝 (でん, den) means "to transmit" or "to on," while 統 (とう, tou) refers to "control" or "system." Together, these characters convey the idea of something that is carefully preserved and ed down. This word is often used in formal and educational contexts, but it also appears in daily life when discussing local festivals or traditional arts.

In Japan, 伝統 is not just a word, but a valued concept. Centuries-old companies, known as 老舗 (しにせ, shinise), take pride in maintaining 伝統 in their production methods. Similarly, schools of tea ceremony, calligraphy, and even cuisine emphasize the importance of following traditional teachings.

Tips for Memorizing and Deepening Knowledge

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 伝統 is to associate it with known cultural practices. For example, Noh theater, the tea ceremony (茶道, さどう, sadou), and kendō (剣道) are vibrant expressions of this tradition. Watching documentaries or reading about these topics can help internalize the term more naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the word appears in real contexts. News about temple preservation, summer festivals (夏祭り, なつまつり, natsu matsuri), or even in animes with historical themes often includes references to 伝統. Observing these uses makes understanding and memorization easier.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 伝承 (Denshō) - Oral tradition, legends ed down from generation to generation.
• 伝統的 (Dentō-teki) - Traditional, referring to customs or practices established over time.
• 伝統文化 (Dentō bunka) - Traditional culture, practices, and values that have been preserved over time.
• 伝統的な祭り (Dentō-teki na matsuri) - Traditional festival, events that preserve specific cultural customs.
• 伝統的な技法 (Dentō-teki na gihō) - Traditional techniques, artistic methods or craftsmanship ed down through generations.
• 伝統的な衣装 (Dentō-teki na ishō) - Traditional costumes, clothing that is characteristic of a specific culture or era.
• 伝統的な風習 (Dentō-teki na fūshū) - Traditional costumes, practices, or behaviors that are upheld by a community.
• 伝統的な料理 (Dentō-teki na ryōri) - Traditional cuisine, dishes that are prepared according to ancient recipes and methods.
• 伝統的な建築 (Dentō-teki na kenchiku) - Traditional architecture, building styles that reflect the history and culture of a region.
• 伝統的な芸能 (Dentō-teki na geinō) - Traditional performing arts, such as historical theater and dance that are still preserved today.
• 伝統的な音楽 (Dentō-teki na ongaku) - Traditional music, compositions that reflect the styles and historical instruments of a culture.
• 伝統的な工芸 (Dentō-teki na kōgei) - Traditional crafts, manufacturing practices of goods that are ed down through generations.
• 伝統的な行事 (Dentō-teki na gyōji) - Traditional events, celebrations, and rituals that are important to a community.
• 伝統的な思想 (Dentō-teki na shisō) - Traditional ideology, values, and beliefs that underpin a culture or society.
• 伝統的な教育 (Dentō-teki na kyōiku) - Traditional education, teaching methods that follow historical models.