Japanese word

しきたり

Pronunciation

Romajishikitari

Meaning

  • nouncustom

Example

この村には古いしきたりがあります。ko no mura ni wa furu i shi ki ta ri ga a ri ma su

This village has an old custom.

Illustration for しきたり (custom)

More examples

その家では、客を迎えるしきたりが続いています。so no ie de wa kyaku o muka e ru shi ki ta ri ga tsuzu i te i ma su

In that family, the custom of welcoming guests continues.

Core concept

Expresses an established pattern of behavior that connects present actions with the practices of earlier generations.

Common phrases

  • しきたりを守るshi ki ta ri o mamo ru

    observe a custom

  • 地域のしきたりchi iki no shi ki ta ri

    local custom

  • しきたりに従うshi ki ta ri ni shitaga u

    follow a custom

Similar words

習わしnarawashi: A customary practice passed down in a family, community, or society.
伝統dentō: A practice, belief, story, or way of life passed down through generations.
風習fūshū: A customary practice associated with a particular group or region.

Definition in Japanese

昔からの習慣として受け継がれ、特定の場や集団で守られている作法や決まり。mukashi ka ra no shū kan to shi te u ke tsu ga re toku tei no ba ya shū dan de mamo ra re te i ru sa hō ya ki ma ri

Word origin

The native form 仕来たり (shikitari) is related to 仕来る (shikitaru), "to do in the customary way," so its form reflects an inherited manner of acting.

Usage tips

  • The word しきたり (shikitari) is useful for traditions with expected behavior, while "tradition" can also refer more broadly to beliefs, stories, or cultural practices.

Other meanings

  • conventionnoun
  • traditionnoun

Word lists with this word