Japanese word

民俗

Pronunciation

Romajiminzoku

Meaning

  • nounfolklore

Example

日本の民俗を研究します。nihon no min zoku o ken kyū shi ma su

I research Japanese folklore.

Illustration for 民俗 (folklore)

More examples

日本各地の民俗には、地域の歴史が表れています。nihon kaku chi no min zoku ni wa chi iki no reki shi ga arawa re te i ma su

The history of each region is reflected in the folklore found throughout Japan.

Core concept

Covers the traditional beliefs, stories, practices, and customs shared within a community.

Common phrases

  • 民俗を研究するmin zoku o ken kyū su ru

    study folklore

  • 民俗の研究min zoku no ken kyū

    the study of folklore

  • 民俗を記録するmin zoku o ki roku su ru

    record folklore

Similar words

民間伝承minkandenshō: Traditional beliefs, stories, and practices handed down among the people of a community.
風習fūshū: A customary practice or way of life shared by people in a community.

Definition in Japanese

ある社会や地域に受け継がれてきた習慣・信仰・伝承など。a ru sha kai ya chi iki ni u ke tsu ga re te ki ta shū kan shin kō den shō na do

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese compound, 民俗 (minzoku, "folklore") combines 民 (min, "people") and 俗 (zoku, "customs"), linking a community with its traditional ways.

Usage tips

  • The English word folklore includes stories and beliefs as well as customs, so it is broader than a collection of folk tales.

Other meanings

  • folk customsnoun

Related words

  • 民俗学minzokugakufolklore studiesnoun
  • 民俗学者minzokugakushafolkloristnoun
  • 民俗的minzokutekifolkloricna-adjective

Word lists with this word