costumbres

kohs-TOOM-brehs

customs?cultural or social traditions,habits?personal routines or repetitive behaviors

Also:traditions?long-standing social practices,ways?manner of behaving or doing things

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Me gusta aprender sobre las costumbres de otros países.

I like learning about the customs of other countries.

Es difícil cambiar las viejas costumbres.

It is difficult to change old habits.

Las costumbres locales son muy interesantes.

The local traditions are very interesting.

Even though it ends in 'es', this word is feminine. Always use 'las' or 'unas' with it (las costumbres).

While 'costumbre' means one habit, the plural 'costumbres' is often used to talk about the general lifestyle or culture of a place.

Mistake: "los costumbres"

Correction: las costumbres. Remember that words ending in -umbre in Spanish are almost always feminine.

You can use this word for big things (the customs of Mexico) or small things (my habit of drinking coffee).

Question 1 of 2

Which of these is the correct way to say 'the customs'?

acostumbrar(to get used to) - verb

Is 'costumbres' only for cultural things?

No, it is very common to use it for personal habits as well, like your morning routine.

How do I say 'good manners' in Spanish?

You can use the phrase 'buenas costumbres' to refer to someone who acts politely and follows social rules.