Meaning
A residence that has existed for a long time.
Cultural Background
Old houses are often associated with 'Akiya' (abandoned houses) in rural areas, which is a significant social issue. In Kyoto, old houses called 'Machiya' are highly valued and often converted into luxury hotels or shops. Old houses are sometimes said to have spirits like 'Zashiki-warashi' who bring good fortune to the inhabitants. There is a 'retro' boom where young people prefer the 'vintage' feel of old houses over modern apartments.
Use 'O-uchi' for politeness
In casual but polite conversation, use '{古|ふる}いお{家|うち}' to sound more friendly.
Avoid 'Boro-i'
Never use '{襤褸|ぼろ}い' (shabby) for someone else's house; it's very insulting.
Meaning
A residence that has existed for a long time.
Use 'O-uchi' for politeness
In casual but polite conversation, use '{古|ふる}いお{家|うち}' to sound more friendly.
Avoid 'Boro-i'
Never use '{襤褸|ぼろ}い' (shabby) for someone else's house; it's very insulting.
Adjective Order
You can stack adjectives: '{古|ふる}くて{大|おお}きい{家|いえ}' (An old and big house).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct adjective to describe an old house.
この{家|いえ}はとても（ ）です。
In a simple 'A is B' sentence, the dictionary form of the i-adjective is used.
Complete the sentence to say 'I saw an old house'.
{私|わたし}は（ ）を{見|み}ました。
The phrase '{古|ふる}い{家|いえ}' acts as the object of the verb '{見|み}ました'.
Fill in the learner's response.
A: {新|あたら}しい{家|いえ}はいいですね！ B: はい、でも（ ）も{好|す}きです。
The context suggests a preference for old houses despite the praise for new ones.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say '{古|ふる}い{家|いえ}ですね'?
The phrase is used for aged buildings, not people or new objects.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Houses
Age
- • {新|あたら}しい{家|いえ}
- • {古|ふる}い{家|いえ}
- • {築古|ちくふる}
Style
- • {古民家|こみんか}
- • アパート
- • マンション
Practice Bank
4 exercisesこの{家|いえ}はとても（ ）です。
In a simple 'A is B' sentence, the dictionary form of the i-adjective is used.
{私|わたし}は（ ）を{見|み}ました。
The phrase '{古|ふる}い{家|いえ}' acts as the object of the verb '{見|み}ました'.
A: {新|あたら}しい{家|いえ}はいいですね！ B: はい、でも（ ）も{好|す}きです。
The context suggests a preference for old houses despite the praise for new ones.
When would you say '{古|ふる}い{家|いえ}ですね'?
The phrase is used for aged buildings, not people or new objects.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, never use 'furui' for people. Use 'toshiyori' or 'nenpai'.
'Ie' is more formal/objective, 'uchi' is more personal/casual.
It's a specific type of traditional Japanese old house, usually wooden.
Use 'totemo furui ie' or 'sugoku furui ie'.
Usually yes, but renovated 'Kominka' can be very expensive.
Yes, but 'furui apaato' or 'furui manshon' is more specific.
No, it can imply history and charm, especially in tourist areas.
'Atarashii ie' (new house) or 'shinchiku'.
It is written as '{古|ふる}い{家|いえ}'.
No, use 'furui o-tera'. 'Ie' is only for residences.
Related Phrases
{古民家|こみんか}
specialized formTraditional Japanese folk house
{空|あ}き{家|や}
similarAbandoned/empty house
{新築|しんちく}
contrastNewly built house
{築古|ちくふる}
specialized formOld building (real estate term)
