In 15 Seconds
- Simple way to describe any non-new structure.
- Combines 'furui' (old) and 'tatemono' (building).
- Neutral tone suitable for both casual and formal talk.
Meaning
This phrase is the simplest way to describe a building that has been around for a long time. It covers everything from a beautiful historic temple to a slightly crumbly apartment block.
Key Examples
3 of 6Sightseeing in Kyoto
京都には古い建物がたくさんあります。
There are many old buildings in Kyoto.
Looking at an apartment listing
このアパートは古い建物ですが、安いです。
This apartment is an old building, but it is cheap.
Texting a friend about a cool cafe
あの古い建物、実はカフェだよ！
That old building is actually a cafe!
Cultural Background
In Kyoto, 'old buildings' (Machiya) are protected by strict city ordinances to maintain the historical atmosphere. You cannot even build a tall modern building in certain areas. Tokyo is known for 'scrap and build.' Old buildings are often torn down quickly to make room for earthquake-resistant skyscrapers, making 'furui tatemono' a rare sight in areas like Shinjuku. The 'Akiya' (empty house) phenomenon means many old buildings in the countryside are being given away for free or very low prices. The Ise Grand Shrine is rebuilt every 20 years. This means it is technically 'new' but follows an 'ancient' design, challenging the definition of what an 'old building' is.
Add 'Aji' for flavor
If you like an old building, say '{味|あじ}がありますね' (It has flavor/character). It's a very native-like compliment.
Watch the 'i'
Don't forget the 'i' at the end of 'furui'. Saying 'furu tatemono' is incorrect.
In 15 Seconds
- Simple way to describe any non-new structure.
- Combines 'furui' (old) and 'tatemono' (building).
- Neutral tone suitable for both casual and formal talk.
What It Means
古い建物 is a basic but essential phrase. It combines the adjective 古い (old) with the noun 建物 (building). It is a neutral description. It doesn't inherently mean 'bad' or 'falling apart.' It just means the structure isn't new. You will use this constantly when exploring Japan's mix of modern and ancient architecture.
How To Use It
You can use it as a subject or an object. To say 'This is an old building,' you say これは古い建物です. If you want to say 'I like old buildings,' use 古い建物が好きです. It is very flexible. You can add adverbs like とても (very) to emphasize the age. Just place the adjective directly before the noun. It is as simple as English grammar in this case!
When To Use It
Use it when sightseeing at ancient shrines or temples. It is perfect when looking for an apartment on a budget. Use it when describing your neighborhood to a friend. It works well in casual conversations and professional reports. If you see a rickety structure, this phrase fits perfectly. Even a majestic castle can be called a 古い建物 in a literal sense.
When NOT To Use It
Never use 古い to describe a person. That is considered very rude. For people, use terms like 年配の方 (elderly person). Also, if a building is 'historic' or 'important,' use 歴史的な建物. 古い can sometimes sound a bit plain. If you want to compliment the 'vintage' feel, try レトロな (retro) instead. Avoid using it for food; that would be 古い食べ物, which sounds like it's expired!
Cultural Background
Japan has a unique relationship with old buildings. In big cities, buildings are often torn down and rebuilt quickly. This makes surviving 古い建物 feel special and nostalgic. There is a deep appreciation for the 'Show-era' aesthetic from the mid-20th century. Many people find charm in the weathered wood of traditional houses. This phrase often triggers a sense of nostalgia or natsukashii for Japanese speakers.
Common Variations
You might hear 古い家 (furui ie) for an old house. ボロい建物 (boroi tatemono) is a slangy, meaner way to say 'dilapidated.' If the building is a historical monument, people say 歴史的建造物. For a 'vintage' style cafe, you'll hear レトロな建物. If you are talking about an old apartment, people often just say 古いアパート.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe to use in almost any context. It is grammatically simple (Adjective + Noun) and carries no hidden impolite nuances when applied to objects.
Add 'Aji' for flavor
If you like an old building, say '{味|あじ}がありますね' (It has flavor/character). It's a very native-like compliment.
Watch the 'i'
Don't forget the 'i' at the end of 'furui'. Saying 'furu tatemono' is incorrect.
Politeness matters
When talking about someone's house, use '{歴史|れきし}のある' (historic) instead of just '{古い|ふるい}' to be more polite.
Examples
6京都には古い建物がたくさんあります。
There are many old buildings in Kyoto.
A standard, polite observation while traveling.
このアパートは古い建物ですが、安いです。
This apartment is an old building, but it is cheap.
Using the phrase to explain a trade-off in price.
あの古い建物、実はカフェだよ！
That old building is actually a cafe!
Casual use to share a discovery.
古い建物だから、冬はとても寒いです。
Because it's an old building, it's very cold in winter.
Explaining a physical condition based on the building's age.
これは古い建物というか、ただの木ですね。
Calling this an 'old building' is a stretch; it's just wood.
Using the phrase to make a joke about a very poorly maintained structure.
この古い建物を見ると、昔を思い出します。
Looking at this old building reminds me of the old days.
Expressing an emotional connection to a structure.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
この{町|まち}には（ ）{建物|たてもの}が{多|おお}いです。
I-adjectives like 'furui' connect directly to nouns without 'na' or 'no'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '{古い|ふるい}'.
あの{建物|たてもの}は{去年|きょねん}は（ ）ですが、今はきれいです。
The past tense of an i-adjective is '~katta desu'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {京都|きょうと}はどうでしたか？ B: （ ）がたくさんあって、{楽|たの}しかったです。
Kyoto is famous for its old buildings, making this the most natural answer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are looking at a 500-year-old temple.
A 500-year-old temple is definitely an 'old building'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesこの{町|まち}には（ ）{建物|たてもの}が{多|おお}いです。
I-adjectives like 'furui' connect directly to nouns without 'na' or 'no'.
あの{建物|たてもの}は{去年|きょねん}は（ ）ですが、今はきれいです。
The past tense of an i-adjective is '~katta desu'.
A: {京都|きょうと}はどうでしたか？ B: （ ）がたくさんあって、{楽|たの}しかったです。
Kyoto is famous for its old buildings, making this the most natural answer.
You are looking at a 500-year-old temple.
A 500-year-old temple is definitely an 'old building'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. However, if you want to be positive, use 'rekishiteki' (historic). If you want to be negative, use 'boroi' (shabby).
Yes, in the context of Japanese real estate, 10 years is often considered 'furui' because people prefer brand-new constructions.
'Tatemono' is any building. 'Biru' usually refers to modern, multi-story office or commercial buildings.
You can say 'totemo furui tatemono' or 'sugoku furui tatemono'.
Yes, but it means 'not fresh' rather than 'rotten'. For example, 'furui tamago' is an old egg.
It's neutral. 'Kenzoubutsu' is the formal version used in law or architecture.
Mainly due to earthquake safety standards which are updated frequently, and a cultural history of rebuilding wooden structures.
Yes, 'furui ie' specifically means 'old house'. 'Tatemono' is more general.
You can ask, 'Kono tatemono wa furui desu ka?'
It's a specific type of 'furui tatemono'—a traditional Japanese house, usually over 50 years old and made of wood.
Related Phrases
{新|あたら}しい{建物|たてもの}
contrastNew building
{歴史的|れきしてき}な{建造物|けんぞうぶつ}
specialized formHistorical structure
{古民家|こみんか}
specialized formTraditional folk house
{廃墟|はいきょ}
similarRuins / Abandoned building
