1.
custom, tradition, established practice
A long-standing custom or tradition that has been passed down and followed as a matter of course. Refers to habitual ways of doing things that a community, family, or group has maintained over time.
この土地の習わしに従う。
Follow the customs of this land.
正月に餅をつくのはこの地方の習わしだ。
Pounding mochi at New Year's is a custom of this region.
古くからの習わしを大切にしながらも、時代に合わせて変えていく必要がある。
While valuing long-standing customs, we need to adapt them to the times.
USAGE NOTE:
Slightly literary or formal in tone compared to 習慣. Often used when referring to traditions specific to a region, family, or community rather than personal habits.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 古くからの習わし (age-old custom)
- 土地の習わし (local custom)
- 習わしに従う (follow a custom)
- 習わしを守る (uphold a tradition)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 習慣: habit, custom (broader; includes both personal habits and social customs)
- 慣習: convention, practice (more formal/institutional)
- 伝統: tradition (broader and more elevated in nuance)