Signification
Garments that are worn or have been owned for a long time.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Mottainai' encourages people to find new uses for {古い|ふるい}{服|ふく}, such as turning them into 'Zoukin' (cleaning rags). Shimokitazawa in Tokyo is the mecca of {古着|ふるぎ} (second-hand clothes). Here, {古い|ふるい}{服|ふく} are curated and sold as high fashion. Companies like Uniqlo have 'All-Product Recycling' initiatives where you can drop off your {古い|ふるい}{服|ふく} to be sent to refugees or recycled into fuel. Boro (rag) textiles are now considered art. They were originally {古い|ふるい}{服|ふく} that were patched over generations.
The 'Mottainai' Rule
If you call your clothes {古い|ふるい}{服|ふく}, a Japanese person might suggest you donate them rather than throw them away.
Adjective Ending
Always keep the 'i' in {古い|ふるい} when describing {服|ふく}. Don't say 'Furu fuku'.
Signification
Garments that are worn or have been owned for a long time.
The 'Mottainai' Rule
If you call your clothes {古い|ふるい}{服|ふく}, a Japanese person might suggest you donate them rather than throw them away.
Adjective Ending
Always keep the 'i' in {古い|ふるい} when describing {服|ふく}. Don't say 'Furu fuku'.
Vintage vs. Old
If you're complimenting someone's style, say 'Vintage' or 'Oshare' (stylish) rather than calling their clothes 'old'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'old'.
この{服|ふく}は（ ）です。
In a simple sentence ending in 'desu', the i-adjective remains in its dictionary form.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural sentence.
The first is wrong because {古い|ふるい} isn't for people. The third is wrong because of 'na'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: そのシャツ、{新|あたら}しいですか？ B: いいえ、（ ）ですよ。
B is saying 'No, it's an old piece of clothing.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a recycling center with a bag of garments.
You came to throw away/recycle old clothes.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of {古い|ふるい}{服|ふく}
Condition
- • {着古|きふる}した (Worn out)
- • {ボロ|ぼろ}い (Shabby)
- • {色|いろ}あせた (Faded)
Purpose
- • {寄付|きふ} (Donation)
- • {回収|かいしゅう} (Collection)
- • {雑巾|ぞうきん} (Rags)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesこの{服|ふく}は（ ）です。
In a simple sentence ending in 'desu', the i-adjective remains in its dictionary form.
Choose the natural sentence.
The first is wrong because {古い|ふるい} isn't for people. The third is wrong because of 'na'.
A: そのシャツ、{新|あたら}しいですか？ B: いいえ、（ ）ですよ。
B is saying 'No, it's an old piece of clothing.'
You are at a recycling center with a bag of garments.
You came to throw away/recycle old clothes.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. It's not rude, but it's very plain. It's like saying 'old clothes' in English.
Technically yes, but {アンティーク|あんてぃーく} or {骨董品|こっとうひん} sounds more respectful.
{新|あたら}しい{服|ふく} (New clothes).
{今日|きょう}は{古い|ふるい}{服|ふく}を{着|き}ています。
{ボロ|ぼろ}い{服|ふく} (shabby clothes) is common slang among friends.
Yes! You can replace {服|ふく} with any specific clothing item.
{古い|ふるい} means aged/old. {中古|ちゅうこ} means 'pre-owned' (even if it's only one day old).
{古い|ふるい}{服|ふく}の{回収|かいしゅう}ボックスはどこですか？
Not necessarily, just that they have existed for a long time.
Probably not. You'd talk about {身だしなみ|みだしなみ} (appearance) or {服装|ふくそう} (attire).
Expressions liées
{古着|ふるぎ}
similarSecond-hand clothes
{新|あたら}しい{服|ふく}
contrastNew clothes
{着古|きふる}す
builds onTo wear out clothes
{中古品|ちゅうこひん}
specialized formUsed goods
{部屋着|へやぎ}
similarRoom wear / Loungewear
