1.
introduction from abroad, transmission across regions
The historical introduction or transmission of culture, technology, religion, or goods from one country or region to another. Often used in the context of things brought to Japan from the Asian continent or Europe.
仏教が日本に伝来した。
Buddhism was introduced to Japan.
鉄砲は16世紀にポルトガルから伝来した。
Firearms were introduced from Portugal in the 16th century.
大陸から伝来した技術が日本で独自に発展した。
Technology introduced from the continent developed uniquely in Japan.
2.
handed down through generations
Something passed down within a family or lineage over generations. Used as a modifier meaning 'ancestral' or 'hereditary.'
家に伝来の刀がある。
There is an heirloom sword in the family.
これは先祖伝来の土地だ。
This is land passed down from our ancestors.
伝来の宝を大切に守っている。
They carefully preserve the treasures handed down through the family.
Frequently encountered in Japanese history discussions. Sense 1 is particularly common in the context of cultural and technological exchange along the Silk Road and with European traders.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 仏教伝来 (introduction of Buddhism)
- 鉄砲伝来 (introduction of firearms)
- 先祖伝来 (inherited from ancestors, ancestral)
- 家伝来 (family heirloom)
USAGE:
Sense 1 is often used intransitively (～が伝来する) to describe historical events. Sense 2 functions primarily as a modifier (伝来の).