Meaning
habit; custom; practice; routine
Nuance & Usage
習慣 has two main meanings: (1) a personal habit or routine (習慣がある — have a habit), and (2) a cultural custom or practice shared by a community. The verb form: 習慣になる (become a habit), 習慣にする (make something a habit). Related: 慣習 (kanshu — established custom, more formal), 風習 (fuushuu — folk custom/tradition). 生活習慣 (seikatsu shuukan) means lifestyle habits (often used in health contexts: 生活習慣病 — lifestyle diseases).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 習慣 with 慣れ (nare — familiarity, being accustomed to something). 習慣 is a repeated behavior pattern; 慣れ is the state of being used to something. Example: 日本の習慣 (Japanese customs) vs 日本語に慣れてきた (I've gotten used to Japanese). Also: 習慣的に (shuukanteki ni — habitually) is a useful adverb. Don't confuse 週間 (shuukan — a week, same pronunciation but different kanji!) with 習慣.
Example Sentences
毎朝コーヒーを飲むのが習慣になっています。
まいあさこーひーをのむのがしゅうかんになっています。
Drinking coffee every morning has become a habit of mine.
日本には靴を脱いで家に入る習慣があります。
にほんにはくつをぬいでいえにはいるしゅうかんがあります。
In Japan, there is a custom of taking off your shoes before entering a house.
健康のために良い生活習慣を身につけましょう。
けんこうのためによいせいかつしゅうかんをみにつけましょう。
Let's develop good lifestyle habits for our health.
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