Japanese word

作法

Pronunciation

Romajisahō

Meaning

  • nounetiquette

Example

食事の作法を学びます。shoku ji no sa hō o mana bi ma su

I learn dining etiquette.

Illustration for 作法 (etiquette)

More examples

国や地域によって作法が異なります。kuni ya chi iki ni yo tte sa hō ga koto na ri ma su

Etiquette differs depending on the country or region.

Core concept

Expresses the proper manner of acting or performing something according to a shared social or practical standard.

Common phrases

  • 茶道の作法sa dō no sa hō

    tea ceremony etiquette

  • 作法を守るsa hō o mamo ru

    observe etiquette

  • 作法を学ぶsa hō o mana bu

    learn etiquette

  • 作法に従うsa hō ni shitaga u

    follow etiquette

Similar words

礼儀reigi: Accepted rules for polite behavior toward others.
行儀gyōgi: Proper behavior that shows consideration and politeness in a social setting.

Definition in Japanese

物事を行う際にふさわしい、礼儀にかなったやり方。mono goto o okona u sai ni fu sa wa shi i rei gi ni ka na tta ya ri kata

Word origin

作法 (sahō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 作 (sa, "make") and 法 (hō, "method or rule"), referring to a method for doing something properly.

Usage tips

  • English etiquette usually focuses on social manners, while 作法 (sahō) also covers the proper way to perform an activity such as a tea ceremony.

Word lists with this word