The Meaning of densetsu [伝説] In Japanese

伝説
でんせつ
Romaji: densetsu N3

What does 伝説 mean?

Translation and Meaning

legend, myth, folklore

Definition

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.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

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

Etymology

伝 (den) meaning to transmit, pass along den; 説 (setsu) meaning tale, explanation setsu; together they denote a transmitted explanation or narrative

Composition

  • 伝: to transmit, pass along
  • 説: tale, explanation; belief or assertion

Usage

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.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: think of legends as things handed down in a family or culture; 伝 means to pass along, 説 signals a story or explanation, so 伝説 literally means a story passed down as truth

Variations

  • 伝承 (denshō) tradition, lore
  • 神話 (shinwa) myth
  • 民話 (minwa) folklore
  • 伝説的 (densetsuteki) legendary

Example Phrases

  • 近所の 伝説 の 店で 夕飯 を 食べた。
    kinjo no densetsu no mise de yūhan o tabeta.
    I ate dinner at a legendary shop nearby.
    Lista:
    • 近所の (kinjo no) – nearby
    • 伝説 (densetsu) – legend
    • の (no) – of
    • 店で (mise de) – at the shop
    • 夕飯 (yūhan) – dinner
    • を (o) – object marker
    • 食べた (tabeta) – ate
    Core grammar: the genitive の attaches a noun to another noun to form a modifier, as in 「伝説の店」 (legendary shop).
伝説