1.
conventional, traditional, existing, previous
Describes something that has been the standard or norm up to the present. Used as a noun modifier with の to describe established methods, products, or approaches.
従来の方法では限界がある。
There are limits to the conventional method.
従来の製品よりも性能が向上した。
Performance has improved compared to the previous product.
従来の枠組みにとらわれない発想が求められている。
Thinking that is not bound by conventional frameworks is called for.
2.
up to now, so far, traditionally
Used adverbially to indicate that something has been the case from the past up to the present, often implying that it may change.
従来は手作業で行っていた。
Until now, it had been done by hand.
従来どおりの対応で問題ない。
There is no problem with handling it in the usual way.
従来から指摘されていた課題がようやく解決された。
An issue that had been pointed out for some time was finally resolved.
USAGE:
A staple of formal and business Japanese. As a modifier (従来の), it describes established practices, products, or norms — often in contrast with something new. As an adverb (従来は / 従来から), it means "up to now."
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 従来の〜: conventional, existing (modifier)
- 従来どおり: as before, in the usual way
- 従来から: from before, for some time
- 従来型: conventional type