Word
伝説
Meaning in Englishtradition, legend, folklore
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
What does 伝説 mean? It denotes a traditional narrative handed down within a culture that describes gods, heroes, or notable events and is treated as part of that culture's lore.
Main meanings
- Traditional tale or story handed down through generations, especially one describing legendary figures or events
- A myth or legendary status attributed to a person, place, or thing
- In modern usage, something described as legendary due to its exceptional or memorable nature
How to use it
Used as a noun in formal and literary contexts to refer to traditional narratives, myths, or lore; common in journalism, folklore studies, and discussions of famous legends; often collocates with 伝説的 to describe something with legendary qualities.
Variants and close terms
- 伝承 (denshō) tradition, lore
- 神話 (shinwa) myth
- 民話 (minwa) folklore
- 伝説的 (densetsuteki) legendary
Composition
- 伝: to transmit, pass along
- 説: tale, explanation; belief or assertion
Etymology
伝 (den) meaning to transmit, pass along den; 説 (setsu) meaning tale, explanation setsu; together they denote a transmitted explanation or narrative
Word class
noun (名詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N2
伝染
densen
contagion
N3
説
setsu
theory, opinion, explanation, doctrine
N3
演説
enzetsu
speech, address
N3
宣伝
senden
advertising, publicity, promotion
N3
伝わる
tsutawaru
be transmitted, be conveyed
N3
手伝い
tetsudai
help, helper, assistant
N3
伝統
dentou
tradition, convention
N3
伝言
dengon
verbal message
N3
説く
toku
to explain, to advocate
Kanji