风俗 (fēng sú) refers to the collective customs, traditions, and habitual practices that are passed down within a community or region over time. The character 风 (fēng) literally means 'wind', but here it conveys the idea of prevailing social atmosphere or local character; 俗 (sú) means 'custom' or 'common practice'. Together, they emphasize socially accepted, long-established ways of behaving—especially around festivals, life events (like weddings or funerals), food, dress, or greetings.

This word is often used in formal or descriptive contexts—for example, when discussing regional culture, anthropology, or intercultural communication. It carries a neutral-to-positive connotation and suggests continuity and shared identity. While similar to 习惯 (xí guàn, 'habit'), 风俗 specifically implies communal, inherited tradition rather than individual routine. It’s commonly paired with words like 地方 (dì fāng, 'local'), 民族 (mín zú, 'ethnic group'), or 传统 (chuán tǒng, 'tradition').