Translation and Meaning of: 習慣 - shuukan

The Japanese word 習慣[しゅうかん] is an essential term for those who wish to understand not only the language but also aspects of Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life. Additionally, we will see how this word reflects important values in Japanese society and tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and origin of 習慣

習慣[しゅうかん] can be translated as "habit" or "custom." It is composed of two kanji: 習 (to learn, to practice) and 慣 (to get accustomed to). Together, these characters convey the idea of something that becomes natural through repetition. This word is often used to describe both individual actions and cultural traditions.

The term has deep roots in the Japanese language and is present in various contexts, from everyday conversations to discussions about society. Its origin traces back to classical Chinese, but it was adapted to Japanese with a meaning that reflects the importance of discipline and repetition in the local culture.

Cultural and social use of 習慣

In Japan, 習慣 goes beyond simple personal habits. It is linked to the notion of social harmony and respect for traditions. Many behaviors considered essential for coexistence, such as removing shoes before entering a house or bowing, are regarded as important 習慣.

This word often appears in discussions about cultural differences. Japanese people often use 習慣 to explain practices that may seem strange to foreigners, showing how customs are embedded in everyday life. Understanding this concept is essential for those who wish to adapt to life in Japan.

Tips for memorizing and using 習慣

An effective way to fix 習慣 in memory is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of habits you have in your daily life and try to describe them using this word. For example: "毎朝ジョギングするのは私の習慣です" (Jogging every morning is my habit).

Another tip is to observe how 習慣 appears in anime, dramas, or Japanese news. Often, the context helps to understand nuances of meaning that go beyond simple translation. Repeating the word in complete sentences, instead of memorizing it in isolation, also facilitates retention.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 習い (narai) - practice or custom (generally taught)
• 習俗 (shūzoku) - costumes or traditions (usually from a culture)
• 習性 (shūsei) - habits or (instinctive) behaviors
• 習わし (narawashi) - costume or habit (practice passed down from generation to generation)
• 習癖 (shūheki) - mania or habit (that repeats in an almost compulsive way)

習慣

Romaji: shuukan
Kana: しゅうかん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: costume; habit; manners

Meaning in English: custom;habit;manners

Definition: Repeat the same actions or use every day.

Example Sentences - (習慣) shuukan

See below some example sentences:

手洗いは大切な衛生習慣です。

Tearai wa taisetsu na eisei shūkan desu

Washing hands is an important hygiene habit.

Hand washing is an important hygiene habit.

• 手洗い - handwashing
• は - Topic particle
• 大切な - important
• 衛生習慣 - hygiene habit
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

拭くことは大切な清潔の習慣です。

Fuku koto wa taisetsu na seiketsu no shūkan desu

Cleaning is an important hygiene habit.

Cleanliness is an important clean habit.

• 拭くこと - action of cleaning or wiping something
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切な - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• 清潔 - noun meaning "cleanliness" or "hygiene"
• の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 習慣 - noun meaning "habit" or "custom"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は毎晩祈ることが習慣になっています。

Watashi wa maiban inoru koto ga shūkan ni natte imasu

Praying every night has become a habit for me.

I pray every night.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 毎晩 - adverb that means "every night"
• 祈る - The word is "pray"
• こと - noun that indicates an action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 習慣 - noun meaning "habit" or "custom"
• に - Particle that indicates the purpose or objective
• なっています - verb in the present progressive form indicating a habitual or customary action

習慣は第二の天性である。

Shuukan wa daini no tensei de aru

The habit is the second natural nature.

• 習慣 - habit
• は - Topic particle
• 第二 - Second
• の - Possessive particle
• 天性 - innate nature
• で - state particle
• ある - verb to be"