Meaning and Usage
"伝来" (でんらい) refers to things, customs, or technologies that have been passed down from ancestors or imported from other countries. It often implies historical or cultural transmission rather than recent introduction.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "伝来" used in historical, cultural, or academic contexts to describe items, knowledge, or traditions that originated elsewhere and have been inherited or brought into Japan.
Collocations and Patterns
- 伝来した技術 (imported technology): used when talking about technology or skills brought from abroad.
- 伝来の品 (ancestral item): refers to objects passed down through generations.
- 伝来文化 (imported culture): cultural elements that have been introduced from other countries.
Register and Nuance
"伝来" is a formal and somewhat literary term, often found in written language, academic texts, or formal speech. It is less common in casual conversation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "伝来" with "伝統" (でんとう, tradition). While "伝統" focuses on traditions maintained within a culture, "伝来" emphasizes the origin and transmission from outside or ancestors. Remember, "伝来" highlights the act or fact of transmission or importation.