1.
customs; manners; social practices
The customs, habits, and social practices of a society or era. Used in historical, cultural, and academic contexts.
江戸時代の風俗を学ぶ。
Learn about Edo-period customs.
この絵には当時の風俗がよく描かれている。
This painting vividly depicts the customs of that era.
各地の風俗や習慣を調査して、論文にまとめた。
I surveyed the customs and practices of various regions and compiled them into a paper.
2.
adult entertainment industry
A euphemistic abbreviation of 風俗営業 (entertainment business), referring to the adult entertainment and sex industry. Very common in modern everyday usage.
駅前に風俗店が多い。
There are many adult entertainment establishments near the station.
この通りは風俗街として知られている。
This street is known as an adult entertainment district.
条例により、学校の近くでは風俗営業が制限されている。
Regulations restrict adult entertainment businesses from operating near schools.
Context determines which meaning is intended. In academic or historical writing, sense 1 (customs) is standard. In everyday conversation, sense 2 (adult entertainment) is often the first association.
SENSE 1 (customs):
Appears frequently in history textbooks, museum labels, and academic writing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS (customs):
- 風俗習慣 (customs and practices)
- 風俗画 (genre painting depicting daily life)
- 風俗を描く (depict customs)
SENSE 2 (adult entertainment):
Short for 風俗営業, a legal term covering entertainment businesses regulated under specific laws.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS (adult entertainment):
- 風俗店 (adult entertainment establishment)
- 風俗街 (adult entertainment district)
- 風俗営業 (entertainment business, legal term)