传统
Traditional: 傳統
chuán tǒng HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

春节是中国的传统节日。
Chūnjié shì Zhōngguó de chuántǒng jiérì.
Spring Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday.
这个家庭保留了很多传统。
Zhège jiātíng bǎoliú le hěnduō chuántǒng.
This family has preserved many traditions.
传统食物非常好吃。
Chuántǒng shíwù fēicháng hǎochī.
Traditional food is very delicious.
这是传统节日。
Zhè shì chuántǒng jiérì.
This is a traditional festival.
传统食物很好吃。
Chuántǒng shíwù hěn hǎochī.
Traditional food is very delicious.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 传 (chuán) means 'to pass on' or 'transmit,' and 统 (tǒng) means 'system' or 'unity.' Together, think of 'a unified system passed on'—that's tradition!

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common in discussions of culture, festivals, values, art, and family practices. It can be neutral or carry positive connotations of preserving heritage, but may sometimes imply outdatedness depending on context.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as an attributive adjective before nouns (e.g., 传统节日). Can be nominalized as 传统 (tradition) when used alone (e.g., 尊重传统). Commonly appears in structures like 在...传统中 (in the tradition of...).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 传统 is deeply valued, associated with Confucian values, family rituals, and festivals like Spring Festival. The example reflects a traditional belief in strict discipline for filial piety, though such views are evolving.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 保守 (bǎoshǒu, 'conservative'), which focuses more on resistance to change, 传统 emphasizes historical inheritance. 古典 (gǔdiǎn, 'classical') often refers specifically to art, literature, or music styles, while 传统 is broader.

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