What does it mean word for word?
The word 伝統的 is composed of the noun 伝統, meaning 'tradition' and the suffix 的, which functions to turn a noun into an adjective-like modifier.
Which one should you use?
While 伝統的 is the standard form, you can use different expressions depending on your intent. To emphasize the existence of a historical background, use 伝統のある. If you want to say something is 'old-fashioned', such as clothing or architecture, use 昔風. For a more casual way to say something has a 'traditional feel', use the colloquial 伝統っぽい.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word can change its form based on how it functions in a sentence. To use it directly before a noun, the form 伝統的 takes the particle な to become 伝統的な. To use it as an adverb meaning 'traditionally', change the suffix to に to get 伝統的に. The noun form of the word is 伝統.
How do you pronounce it?
dentōteki
Did you know?
- The character 的 used in 伝統的 originally referred to a 'target' or 'bullseye' in archery, eventually evolving into a suffix that indicates a certain quality or characteristic.
- The term 伝統 is a relatively modern import to the Japanese language, coined during the Meiji era to translate Western concepts of 'tradition' into a formal scholarly term.
- While 伝統的 describes tradition, Japanese often uses the word 和 ('wa') to specify that something is 'traditional Japanese' as opposed to just generally traditional.
Examples in context
- それはとても伝統的な儀式だった。It was a very traditional ceremony.This sentence uses 伝統的 to describe a ceremony.Tatoeba #205435 by bunbuku, translation #42679 by CK
- 日本酒は日本の伝統的なお酒です。Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink.This sentence uses 伝統的 to describe a type of drink.Tatoeba #10169484 by small_snow, translation #2276608 by Hybrid
- 棕櫚ほうきは日本の伝統的なほうきで、耐久性に優れ丈夫で長持ちします。The hemp‐palm broom is a traditional Japanese broom that excels in durability, being both strong and long lasting.This sentence uses 伝統的 to describe a type of broom.Tatoeba #10667433 by small_snow, translation #11114823 by tsp_2
- 日本の 伝統的な 文化は、美しくて多様な芸術や工芸品を生み出しています。Japan's traditional culture produces beautiful and diverse forms of art and crafts.
- この 伝統っぽい 祭りは楽しくて、毎年たくさんの人が訪れます。This traditional-looking festival is enjoyable, and many people visit it every year.
- 京都の神社で 伝統の薫りが漂う 結婚式を挙げることが夢でした。Getting married in a Kyoto shrine, where the fragrance of tradition lingers, was my dream.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a festival in a local town.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの祭りは伝統的な音楽を使いますね。Kono matsuri wa dentoteki na ongaku o tsukaimasu ne.This festival uses traditional music, doesn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、とても伝統的なスタイルです。Hai, totemo dentoteki na sutairu desu.Yes, it is a very traditional style.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんは、この踊りを知っていますか？Misaki-san wa, kono odori o shitte imasu ka?Misaki, do you know this dance?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大翔さん。大好きですよ。Hai, Hiroto-san. Daisuki desu yo.Yes, Hiroto. I love it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
