Chinese · Culture & Society

传统

chuántǒng

Tradition

Intermediatenoun

Definition

A custom or belief passed down through generations.

Example

喝茶是中国的传统。

Drinking tea is a Chinese tradition.

Etymology

'传统' (chuántǒng) combines '传' (chuán), meaning 'to transmit,' and '统' (tǒng), meaning 'to unify.' The term refers to customs or practices passed down through generations.

How & Where It’s Used

'传统' is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about cultural heritage, customs, and practices. It is common in written and spoken forms.

Literary Heritage

It appears in many classical texts discussing cultural values and practices.

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