Folk tale: meaning, definitions and examples
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folk tale
[ ˈfəʊk teɪl ]
storytelling tradition
A folk tale is a traditional story passed down through generations within a culture. These stories often involve fantastical elements, moral lessons, and characters from folklore. Folk tales are typically orally transmitted and may vary in details depending on the region or storyteller.
Synonyms
fairy tale, legend, traditional story
Examples of usage
- The villagers gathered around the fire to listen to an old folk tale about a wise fox.
- In many cultures, folk tales are used to teach children important values and beliefs.
Translations
Translations of the word "folk tale" in other languages:
🇵🇹 conto popular
🇮🇳 लोककथा
🇩🇪 Volksmärchen
🇮🇩 cerita rakyat
🇺🇦 народна казка
🇵🇱 baśń ludowa
🇯🇵 民話 (minwa)
🇫🇷 conte populaire
🇪🇸 cuento popular
🇹🇷 halk masalı
🇰🇷 민담 (mindam)
🇸🇦 حكاية شعبية (hikaya sha'biya)
🇨🇿 lidová pohádka
🇸🇰 ľudová rozprávka
🇨🇳 民间故事 (mínjiān gùshì)
🇸🇮 ljudska pravljica
🇮🇸 þjóðsaga
🇰🇿 халық ертегісі
🇬🇪 ხალხური ზღაპარი
🇦🇿 xalq nağılı
🇲🇽 cuento popular
Word origin
The term 'folk tale' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the German word 'volkssage' which means 'people's story'. Folk tales have been an integral part of oral storytelling traditions across various cultures for centuries, serving as a means of preserving cultural heritage and passing down wisdom from one generation to the next.