Translation and Meaning of: 慣行 - kankou

The Japanese word 慣行 (かんこう, kankō) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important nuances in the Japanese language and culture. If you are looking for its meaning, translation, or how to use it in daily life, this article will explore all of this in a clear and practical way. Let's understand from the origin of the term to its use in formal and informal contexts, with examples that facilitate learning.

慣行 (かんこう) significa "práticas habituais" ou "práticas estabelecidas".

慣行 is composed of the kanji 慣 (habit, custom) and 行 (action, conduct), forming a term that refers to habitual practices, established customs, or social conventions. Unlike words like 習慣 (shūkan), which indicate personal habits, 慣行 has a more collective tone, often connected to unwritten norms that are widely accepted.

In Japan, the concept of 慣行 is especially relevant in work environments and social relationships. For example, in companies, it can describe unofficial practices that everyone follows, such as meeting times or forms of hierarchical communication. This term frequently appears in discussions about Japanese corporate culture.

Origin and use of kanjis in 慣行

The kanji 慣 (かん) comes from the verb 慣れる (nareru), which means "to become accustomed to". On the other hand, 行 (こう) is associated with "to go" or "to execute", but here it takes on the meaning of "practice". The combination reflects the idea of actions that become standard through repetition. Sources such as the dictionary 漢字源 (Kanjigen) confirm this interpretation, highlighting that 慣行 emerged to describe ingrained behaviors.

It is worth noting that 慣行 is not an archaic term – it appears in newspapers, contracts, and even in social critiques. An example is the expression 慣行の賃金 (kankō no chingin), used to discuss wages based on historical conventions, not on laws. This usage demonstrates how the word is connected to systems that rely on tradition.

How to memorize and practice 慣行

To reinforce 慣行, one tip is to associate it with situations where "the way things have always been done" prevails. Think of phrases like その会社の慣行に従う (according to the practices of that company). Contexts like this help to internalize the term as something beyond the dictionary.

Another strategy is to observe the kanji 慣 in other words, such as 慣例 (kanrei, "precedent") or 慣用句 (kan'yōku, "idiomatic expression"). This pattern of repetition reinforces the sense of "custom." Platforms like Jisho.org or the app Suki Nihongo provide real examples that illustrate these uses.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

慣例 (Kanrei) - Established practice, customary norm.
習慣 (Shuukan) - Habit, individual or social custom.
慣習 (Kanshuu) - Costume, a usual practice in a culture or group.
慣わし (Kawashi) - Traditional form or established custom.
慣用 (Kanyou) - Common expression or phrase.
慣行 (Kankou) - Generally accepted or followed practice in a society.
慣行例 (Kankoure) - Example of generally accepted practice.
慣行習慣 (Kankoushuukan) - Habit or custom established in a common practice.
慣行規範 (Kankoukihan) - Standard or norm associated with a common practice.
慣行常識 (Kankoujoushiki) - Knowledge or social wisdom established through common practices.