伝説

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.