Vocabulary Related to Culture and Traditions
Hello English learners! Today, we are going to explore some vocabulary related to culture and traditions — words that help you talk about customs, beliefs, celebrations, and ways of life around the world.
Culture is what makes us who we are. It shapes our habits, food, art, and even how we celebrate important events. Learning this vocabulary will help you speak naturally about your own traditions and understand others better.
Key nouns
When we talk about culture and traditions, we often use special nouns to describe the beliefs, customs, and celebrations that define who we are.
Understanding these key nouns will allow you to describe your own cultural background more clearly — and appreciate the traditions of others around the world. Let’s look at some essential vocabulary you can use when discussing culture and traditions in English.
| Word | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Tradition | a custom or belief passed down from generation to generation | It’s a family tradition to have dinner together every Sunday. |
| Heritage | the cultural history or legacy of a group | Italy has a rich cultural heritage. |
| Custom | a usual way of behaving in a particular society | It’s a custom in Japan to bow when greeting someone. |
| Ritual | a series of actions done in a fixed order, often religious | Lighting candles is part of the wedding ritual. |
| Ceremony | a formal event to celebrate or mark an occasion | The graduation ceremony took place in the town hall. |
| Ancestor | a person in your family who lived long ago | Our ancestors came from the mountains of northern Greece. |
| Folklore | traditional stories and beliefs of a community | I love reading the folklore of different countries. |
| Symbol | something that represents an idea or belief | The dove is a symbol of peace. |
Vocabulary Related to Culture and Traditions
Adjectives to describe culture
Once you know the key nouns, it’s time to add some colour to your descriptions! Adjectives help you express how people feel about their customs and traditions — whether something is joyful, ancient, religious, or uniquely local. These words make your writing and speaking richer and more expressive when you talk about festivals, food, or cultural experiences.
Let’s look at some useful adjectives that bring culture and traditions to life.
| Adjective | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Traditional | following old customs | People wear traditional clothes during festivals. |
| Cultural | related to the ideas and customs of a society | London is full of cultural events all year round. |
| Religious | connected with faith or worship | Christmas is both a cultural and religious holiday. |
| Festive | cheerful, connected with celebration | The streets look so festive during New Year. |
| Sacred | very special and connected to religion | The temple is a sacred place for the local people. |
| Authentic | genuine, not copied | We tried authentic Thai food at the festival. |
Vocabulary Related to Culture and Traditions
Verbs related to traditions
Traditions aren’t just things we talk about — they’re things we do. Verbs help us describe the actions that keep culture alive: celebrating holidays, honouring our ancestors, and passing down customs from one generation to the next.
These verbs are perfect for describing how people take part in cultural life and express respect for their heritage. Let’s explore some of the most useful ones!
| Verb | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Celebrate | to do something special for an event | People all over the world celebrate the New Year differently. |
| Honour | to show respect for something or someone | The festival honours the ancestors of the village. |
| Observe | to follow a custom or rule | Muslims observe Ramadan every year. |
| Pass down | to give knowledge or tradition to the next generation | These songs were passed down from my grandmother. |
| Take part in | to participate in an event | Many tourists take part in local traditions. |
Vocabulary Related to Culture and Traditions
Useful expressions
Language becomes truly rich when we use expressions and phrases that capture the deeper meaning behind our cultural experiences. These expressions help you talk about how traditions change over time, how people connect through culture, and how communities stay united across generations.
Let’s look at some common and meaningful expressions you can use to speak or write confidently about culture and traditions.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Cultural diversity | the variety of different cultures in one place. | London is very well-known for its cultural diversity. |
| Sense of belonging | feeling part of a community. | Celebrating local festivals gives me a sense of belonging. |
| Generational gap | differences in opinions between young and old. | There’s often a generational gap in how people see traditions. |
| Lose touch with traditions | to stop following old customs. | Many young people are losing touch with traditions. |
| Keep the tradition alive | to continue practising it. | We cook traditional meals to keep the tradition alive. |
Vocabulary Related to Culture and Traditions
Discussion Questions:
- What is your favourite local or family tradition?
- Do you think it’s important to preserve traditional customs? Why?
- Which festivals or celebrations from other cultures would you like to experience?
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