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习俗 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
习俗xísúcustomHSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #9810, Hard
习俗xísútraditionHSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #9810, Hard
习俗xísúlocal traditionHSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #9810, Hard
习俗xísúconventionHSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #9810, Hard
xísú(xi2su2)xi su T2
  1. 1custom
  2. 2tradition
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March 24, 2026

习俗(習俗)xísú(xi2su2)

习俗 (xí sú) refers to the established customs or traditions of a particular culture or community. It encompasses the behaviors, practices, and rituals that are commonly accepted and passed down through generations, often shaping social norms and identity.

Strokes12Frequency#9810DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

习俗 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, influencing everything from festivals to family gatherings, such as the customs associated with the Lunar New Year, which highlight the importance of heritage and family.

Memory Tip

Imagine a group of people happily following a 'custom' of dancing around a 'sue' (sounds like 'su') in celebration, while the character 习 (xí) looks like someone practicing this dance, emphasizing the idea of customary practice.

Meanings of 习俗

xísú(xi2su2)
1custom
2tradition
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 习俗

习俗Simplified
習俗Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9810Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 习俗

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Podcast: 习俗

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AI Study Notes for 习俗

Quick Contrast

传统 (chuántǒng) - use 习俗 for specific customs practiced within a culture, while 传统 refers to broader traditions or heritage.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the context when using 习俗, as it is often employed in discussions about cultural practices. Avoid confusing it with 习惯 (xí guàn), which means 'habit'; 习俗 refers to broader cultural traditions rather than individual behaviors.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 习俗 can be beneficial for discussing cultural topics and social issues in greater depth. Students should focus on using it in context, perhaps by comparing customs from their own culture with those in China.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 习俗 with similar words like 风俗 (fēng sú), which may refer more specifically to social customs. For example, saying '风俗' when meaning '习俗' can shift the focus from broad traditions to social behaviors.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 习俗

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Component Characters

习xíto practice
HSK 13 strokes冫
View full entry
俗súcustom
HSK 79 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say custom in Chinese

“custom” in Chinese is习俗xísú

习俗 (xí sú) refers to the established customs or traditions of a particular culture or community. It encompasses the behaviors, practices, and rituals that are commonly accepted and passed down through generations, often shaping social norms and identity.

When to use 习俗

Be mindful of the context when using 习俗, as it is often employed in discussions about cultural practices. Avoid confusing it with 习惯 (xí guàn), which means 'habit'; 习俗 refers to broader cultural traditions rather than individual behaviors.

习俗 or something close to it

传统 (chuántǒng) - use 习俗 for specific customs practiced within a culture, while 传统 refers to broader traditions or heritage.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 习俗 with similar words like 风俗 (fēng sú), which may refer more specifically to social customs. For example, saying '风俗' when meaning '习俗' can shift the focus from broad traditions to social behaviors.

Write 习俗

习
俗

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Cultural Notes for 习俗

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While many cultures have customs, the emphasis on familial and communal traditions in Chinese culture often surpasses that in many Western cultures, where individualism may take precedence.

Frequently Asked Questions about 习俗

习俗 refers to cultural customs and traditions, while 习惯 refers to personal habits or routines.

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