作法(さほう)

作法(さほう) refers to the established, proper way of doing things — particularly in traditional or formal contexts.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

• 食事(しょくじ)作法(さほう): table manners
• 茶道(さどう)の作法(さほう): tea ceremony etiquette
• 礼儀(れいぎ)作法(さほう): etiquette and manners
• 作法(さほう)を学(まな)ぶ: to learn proper manners
• 作法(さほう)を守(まも)る: to observe proper form

SIMILAR WORDS:

• 礼儀(れいぎ): courtesy, politeness (interpersonal respect)
• マナー: manners (loanword; often for modern/international contexts)
• しきたり: customs, conventions (inherited traditions)
• 行儀(ぎょうぎ): behavior, deportment (行儀(ぎょうぎ)が良(よ)い = well-behaved)

REGISTER:
Slightly formal. Often associated with traditional Japanese arts (茶道(さどう), 華道(かどう), 武道(ぶどう)) where prescribed forms are central.