口伝(くでん)

くでん
noun
oral tradition; oral transmission; passing down knowledge by word of mouth
culturecommunication
1. oral tradition; oral transmission; passing down knowledge by word of mouth
Refers to knowledge, techniques, or teachings transmitted verbally rather than in writing, often in traditional arts, crafts, or religious practices.
この技(わざ)は口伝(くでん)で伝(つた)えられてきた。
This technique has been passed down through oral tradition.
師匠(ししょう)からの口伝(くでん)を大切(たいせつ)にしている。
I treasure the oral teachings from my master.
秘伝(ひでん)のレシピは口伝(くでん)でしか受(う)け継(つ)がれていない。
The secret recipe has only been passed down orally.

Refers to the practice of transmitting knowledge verbally from teacher to student, often in traditional contexts such as martial arts, tea ceremony, religious teachings, and family recipes. Written as 口伝(くでん), combining 口(くち) (mouth) and 伝(でん) (transmission).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 口承(こうしょう): oral tradition — more academic term used in folklore studies
  • 言(い)い伝(つた)え: legend, lore — emphasizes stories passed down through generations
  • 口伝(くちづた)え: word of mouth — the kun'yomi reading, used more casually for information spread by word of mouth

Related Words

Compare: 口承(こうしょう) (oral tradition)
Compare: 言(い)い伝(つた)え (legend, lore)
general
Added 2026.5.7 21:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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