1.
legend, oral tradition, folklore, lore
A story or piece of knowledge that has been passed down orally from generation to generation. Often refers to local legends, folk tales, or traditional beliefs about places, people, or events.
この村には古い言い伝えがある。
This village has an old legend.
言い伝えによると、この山には神が住んでいる。
According to legend, a god lives in this mountain.
祖母から聞いた言い伝えを、今度は自分の子供に伝えたい。
I want to pass on the stories I heard from my grandmother to my own children.
USAGE:
言い伝え emphasizes that the story has been passed down orally, distinguishing it from written records. Compare with 伝説 (legend), which is more formal and can refer to famous legends known widely, while 言い伝え often refers to local or family oral traditions.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 言い伝えによると: according to legend/tradition
- 古い言い伝え: an old legend
- 地元の言い伝え: local folklore
- 言い伝えが残る: a legend survives/remains