Meaning
Garments that are worn or have been owned for a long time.
Cultural Background
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'.
Meaning
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'.
Test Yourself
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
Visual Learning Aids
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)
Practice Bank
4 exercises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
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
Related Phrases
{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
