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.
この技は口伝で伝えられてきた。
This technique has been passed down through oral tradition.
師匠からの口伝を大切にしている。
I treasure the oral teachings from my master.
秘伝のレシピは口伝でしか受け継がれていない。
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, combining 口 (mouth) and 伝 (transmission).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 口伝で伝える: to pass down orally
- 口伝を受ける: to receive oral instruction
- 師匠の口伝: the master's oral teachings
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 口承: oral tradition — more academic term used in folklore studies
- 言い伝え: legend, lore — emphasizes stories passed down through generations
- 口伝え: word of mouth — the kun'yomi reading, used more casually for information spread by word of mouth