従来(じゅうらい)

じゅうらい
noun, adverb
conventional, traditional; up to now, so far
formalwrittentime-general
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(じゅうらい)の方法(ほうほう)では限界(げんかい)がある。
There are limits to the conventional method.
従来(じゅうらい)の製品(せいひん)よりも性能(せいのう)が向上(こうじょう)した。
Performance has improved compared to the previous product.
従来(じゅうらい)の枠組(わくぐ)みにとらわれない発想(はっそう)が求(もと)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(じゅうらい)は手作業(てさぎょう)で行(おこな)っていた。
Until now, it had been done by hand.
従来(じゅうらい)どおりの対応(たいおう)で問題(もんだい)ない。
There is no problem with handling it in the usual way.
従来(じゅうらい)から指摘(してき)されていた課題(かだい)がようやく解決(かいけつ)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(じゅうらい)の), it describes established practices, products, or norms — often in contrast with something new. As an adverb (従来(じゅうらい)は / 従来(じゅうらい)から), it means "up to now."

Common patterns

  • 従来(じゅうらい)の〜: conventional, existing (modifier)
  • 従来(じゅうらい)どおり: as before, in the usual way
  • 従来(じゅうらい)から: from before, for some time
  • 従来(じゅうらい)型(がた): conventional type

Related Words

Compare: 古来(こらい) (since ancient times)
Compare: 今(いま)まで (until now, so far)
Compare: 既存(きそん) (existing)
general
Added 2026.2.21 20:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12500/12511_juurai