N3 · 40 words

Tradition and culture

Shrines and temples, traditional arts, the Japanese room and the habits passed down with them.

Two pairs are worth sorting out early. A 神社(じんじゃ) is a Shinto shrine, recognisable by its 鳥居(とりい) gate, and a 寺(てら) is a Buddhist temple; most people visit both without thinking of it as two religions. And the traditional arts often end in 〜道(どう), "the way of": 茶道(さどう), 書道(しょどう), 武道(ぶどう) — a sign that they are practised as a discipline rather than a hobby.

The words

Verb (1)

受け継ぐto inherit; to carry onVerbN2

彼(かれ)は父(ちち)の店(みせ)を受(う)け継(つ)いだ。He took over his father's shop.

Used of traditions, skills and businesses handed down.

This list belongs to Tradition, culture and belief — five lists and 204 words that can also be practised as a whole.

Practise this list

Multiple choice and gaps, drawn from exactly these 40 words. Whatever you get wrong comes back tomorrow.