Explanation at your level:
Hello! 古い (furui) is a word you can use to say something is not new. Imagine you have a toy that is very, very old. You can say, 'This toy is 古い.' It's like saying 'old' for things. You can see an 古い book or an 古い chair. It means it has been around for a long time! It's a simple word to describe things that have age.
Hi there! 古い (furui) is an adjective in Japanese that means 'old,' specifically when talking about objects, buildings, or things. It's the opposite of 'new' (あたらしい - atarashii). For example, you might have an 古い car that's been with your family for years, or you might visit an 古い temple that's hundreds of years old. It's important to know that we usually don't use 古い for people; we use other words for that. So, remember: 古い = old things!
Let's talk about 古い (furui), a common Japanese adjective meaning 'old' when referring to inanimate objects, places, or concepts. It signifies that something has existed for a considerable period and is no longer new. You'll frequently encounter it in phrases like 古い家 (furui ie - old house) or 古い本 (furui hon - old book). It's essential to distinguish its usage from words describing the age of people. While 古い can imply a lack of modernity, it often carries a neutral or even positive connotation, suggesting history, tradition, or value, especially in contexts like antiques or historical sites. Think of it as describing something with a past.
The Japanese adjective 古い (furui) denotes 'old,' primarily applied to non-living entities, structures, and abstract notions. Its usage distinguishes it from terms used for human age, highlighting a focus on the object's temporal existence rather than biological aging. 古い can range in connotation from simply 'aged' to 'outdated' or 'antique,' depending on the context. For instance, 古い考え (furui kangae) suggests 'old-fashioned ideas,' often with a critical undertone, whereas 古い美術品 (furui bijutsihin - old artwork) implies value and historical significance. Understanding the nuances of 古い involves recognizing whether it points to obsolescence or to cherished heritage.
古い (furui) serves as the primary Japanese adjective for 'old,' specifically denoting the age of objects, structures, abstract concepts, and the passage of time. Its semantic range extends beyond mere temporal duration to encompass implications of obsolescence, tradition, historical value, and even nostalgia. Unlike terms for human age, 古い focuses on an entity's existence span. It can be employed neutrally (e.g., 古い建物 - old building), critically (e.g., 古い慣習 - outdated custom), or appreciatively (e.g., 古い名曲 - old masterpiece). The context is crucial in determining whether 古い implies something venerable and cherished, or something that has outlived its utility and requires replacement.
The adjective 古い (furui) is a cornerstone term in Japanese for denoting 'oldness,' predominantly applied to the temporal state of inanimate objects, structures, abstract concepts, and historical periods. Its etymology, likely rooted in descriptive or onomatopoeic origins, emphasizes duration and the effects of time. While consistently contrasting with 'new' (新しい - atarashii), 古い carries a rich spectrum of connotations shaped by context: it can signify venerable antiquity, cherished tradition, nostalgic sentiment, or, conversely, irrelevance and obsolescence. Its application is strictly delineated from the lexicon used for animate beings, underscoring a cultural distinction between the aging of things and the aging of life. Mastery of 古い involves discerning its subtle implications—whether it points to historical depth, cultural inertia, or simply the passage of years.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'old' for objects, places, and concepts.
- Opposite of 新しい (atarashii - new).
- Generally not used for people's age.
- Can imply history, value, or being outdated depending on context.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese word 古い (furui). It's a super useful adjective that usually means 'old' when we're talking about things, objects, or even places. Think of it as the opposite of 'new' or 'modern'. It paints a picture of something that has been around for a while, perhaps showing signs of age or having a history behind it.
We use 古い to describe anything from an antique vase to a long-standing tradition. It's not usually used for people, where you'd use different words to describe age (like 'old' for elders). So, when you see a building that looks like it's from another era, or a book that's been read many times, 古い is the word you'd reach for!
The word 古い (furui) has deep roots in the Japanese language, tracing back to ancient times. Its origins are believed to be onomatopoeic or descriptive, capturing the essence of something that has endured the passage of time. In classical Japanese, the term was similar, evolving over centuries to become the modern form we use today.
Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent, focusing on the concept of age and duration. Unlike some words that drastically change their connotations, 古い has largely retained its core meaning of 'old' for objects and things. This stability reflects the cultural appreciation for history and tradition in Japan, where the 'old' is often valued and preserved. It's a testament to the enduring nature of language that such a fundamental concept has such a long and clear lineage.
Using 古い (furui) is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. The main thing to remember is that it's primarily for non-living things, places, and abstract concepts. For example, you'd say 古い本 (furui hon) for an 'old book' or 古い家 (furui ie) for an 'old house'.
It's also common to use it with time-related nouns, like 古い時代 (furui jidai - 'old era') or 古い記憶 (furui kioku - 'old memory'). When you want to emphasize how old something is, you might add adverbs like とても (totemo - 'very') or 大変 (taihen - 'greatly'), making it とても古い (totemo furui) or 大変古い (taihen furui).
In casual conversation, native speakers might use 古い quite often. However, in very formal or academic writing, you might encounter more specific terms depending on the context. But for everyday use, 古い is your go-to word for 'old' when talking about things!
While 古い (furui) itself is a direct adjective, it appears in various expressions that add color to the language. These phrases often play on the idea of age, tradition, or something being outdated.
- 古い話 (furui hanashi): Literally 'old story,' this can refer to a tale from the past or something that is no longer relevant or new. Example: その話はもう古いよ (Sono hanashi wa mou furui yo) - That story is old news now.
- 古い習慣 (furui shūkan): This means 'old custom' or 'old habit,' referring to traditions or practices that have been followed for a long time. Example: 古い習慣を大切にしています (Furui shūkan o taisetsu ni shite imasu) - We cherish old customs.
- 古い考え (furui kangae): Translates to 'old way of thinking' or 'old-fashioned ideas,' often used critically for outdated viewpoints. Example: 古い考えにとらわれないでください (Furui kangae ni torawarenai de kudasai) - Please don't be bound by old ways of thinking.
- 古いものも新しいものも (furui mono mo atarashii mono mo): This phrase means 'both old things and new things,' suggesting inclusivity or a blend of the past and present. Example: 古いものも新しいものも取り入れていく (Furui mono mo atarashii mono mo toriirete iku) - We will incorporate both old and new things.
Let's break down the grammar and sound of 古い (furui). As an adjective, it modifies nouns directly. For instance, 古い車 (furui kuruma) means 'old car'. It's an i-adjective, which means it ends with the sound 'i' and can be used in various grammatical constructions.
Pronunciation:
- IPA (Japanese): /ɸɯɾu i/
- Breakdown: The 'fu' sound is often softer than in English, almost like an 'hu'. The 'ru' is a flap sound, similar to the 'tt' in the American English 'butter'. The final 'i' is a clear 'ee' sound.
- Rhyming Words: While direct rhymes are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, words ending in '-ui' share a similar vowel sound, like tsumari (meaning) or amai (sweet).
- Stress: Japanese pronunciation is generally flat, with less emphasis on specific syllables compared to English. The pitch accent might vary regionally, but typically, there isn't a strong stress on any particular part of 'furui'.
Grammar Notes:
- Negation: To make it negative, you change the final 'i' to 'kunai', forming 古くない (furukunai), meaning 'not old'.
- Past Tense: For the past tense, you change 'i' to 'katta', resulting in 古かった (furukatta), meaning 'was old'.
- Adverbial Form: To use it like an adverb, change 'i' to 'ku', forming 古く (furuku).
Fun Fact
The kanji 古 itself has been used for centuries to denote age and antiquity, appearing in ancient texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'fu' is soft, almost like 'hu'. The 'ru' is a tapped 'r' sound, and the 'i' is a clear 'ee' sound.
Similar to UK pronunciation; the 'r' sound is a flap, like the 'tt' in 'butter'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'fu' too strongly like English 'foo'.
- Making the 'r' sound too much like English 'r' instead of a flap.
- Adding an English-like stress pattern instead of a flatter Japanese intonation.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy to read in simple contexts
easy to use in basic sentences
easy to pronounce and use
easy to recognize
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Japanese Adjective Types (i-adjectives)
古い ends in 'i' and conjugates like 古かった (furukatta) and 古くない (furukunai).
Topic and Subject Markers (は and が)
古い本は面白い (Topic) vs. 古い本が面白い (Subject focus).
Using Adjectives with Nouns
The adjective comes directly before the noun: 古い車 (old car).
Examples by Level
これ は ふるい ほん です。
this is old book is
This is a simple sentence structure: 'This is [adjective] [noun].'
あの いえ は ふるい です。
that house is old is
'ie' means house.
ふるい くるま が あります。
old car exists
'kuruma' means car.
これは ふるい おもちゃ です。
this is old toy is
'omocha' means toy.
ふるい かさ を もっています。
old umbrella possess
'kasa' means umbrella.
ふるい えいが を みました。
old movie saw
'eiga' means movie.
この せいと は ふるい です。
this uniform is old is
'seito' means student, but here refers to 'uniform'.
ふるい かばん が ありますか。
old bag exists?
'kaban' means bag.
この 時計は古いです。
this watch is old.
Using 'kono' (this) with the noun 'tokei' (watch).
古い町並みが残っています。
old townscape remains.
'Machinami' refers to the appearance of a town or street.
古いアルバムから写真を見つけました。
old album from photo found.
Using 'kara' (from) to indicate the source.
それは古い考え方ですね。
that is old way of thinking, isn't it?
'Kangae' means thought or idea.
古い道具ですが、まだ使えます。
old tools but, still usable.
'Dougu' means tools or implements.
古い寺院は静かで落ち着きます。
old temple is quiet and calming.
'Jiin' means temple.
古い地図を頼りに旅をしました。
old map relying on journey did.
'Chizu' means map.
古い着物はとてもきれいです。
old kimono is very beautiful.
'Kimono' is a traditional Japanese robe.
この古い建物は歴史的価値が高いです。
this old building is historical value high is.
'Kachii' means value. 'Takai' means high.
古い習慣を大切に守っています。
old customs cherish protect.
'Shūkan' means custom or habit.
古い資料を調べて、論文を書きました。
old materials researching, thesis wrote.
'Shiryō' means materials or data.
古い友人に偶然街で会いました。
old friend coincidentally in town met.
'Yūjin' means friend.
古い技術かもしれませんが、まだ実用的です。
old technology perhaps, still practical.
'Gijutsu' means technology or skill.
古いレコードプレーヤーから音楽を聴いています。
old record player from music listening.
'Rekōdo purēyā' is a loanword for record player.
古い物語には教訓が含まれています。
old stories in lessons are included.
'Monogatari' means story or tale.
古い家具をリサイクルに出しました。
old furniture recycling put out.
'Kagu' means furniture.
この古い町は、近代化の波にさらされながらも、独自の雰囲気を保っている。
this old town, modernization's wave while being exposed to, unique atmosphere is maintaining.
Use of 'nagara mo' (while) and the continuous form '-te iru'.
古い考えにとらわれず、新しい視点を取り入れることが重要だ。
old ideas not being bound by, new perspectives incorporating is important.
'Torawareru' (to be captured/bound by) and 'Torieru' (to incorporate/take in).
古い文献を渉猟し、その時代の社会背景を考察した。
old literature researching extensively, that era's social background considered.
'Shōryō' (to search through/study extensively) and 'Kōsatsu' (consideration/examination).
古い技術を継承しつつ、現代的な改良を加えることで、製品の価値を高めた。
old techniques inheriting while, modern improvements adding by, product's value increased.
'Keishō' (inheritance) and 'Karyō' (improvement).
古い慣習が現代社会にそぐわないという意見もある。
old customs modern society to not suit that opinion also exists.
'Sogunawanai' (not suitable/fitting) and 'Iken' (opinion).
古い友との再会は、昔の思い出を呼び覚ました。
old friend with reunion, past memories awakened.
'Saikai' (reunion) and 'Yobisamashimashita' (awakened/revived).
古い映画のセリフを引用して、その場面を表現した。
old movie's lines quoting, that scene expressed.
'Serifu' (lines/dialogue) and 'In'yō' (quotation).
古い書物には、失われた知識が記されていることがある。
old books in, lost knowledge is written sometimes.
'Shomotsu' (books/writings) and 'Shiryo' (knowledge).
その古い建築様式は、時代の変遷を経てもなお、その威厳を失っていない。
that old architectural style, era's transitions underwent even still, its dignity has not lost.
'Kenchiku yōshiki' (architectural style), 'hensens' (transitions), 'igen' (dignity).
古い因習にとらわれるあまり、革新の機会を逸してしまうのは惜しい。
old customs be bound too much, innovation's opportunity miss end up is regrettable.
'Inshū' (custom/tradition), 'kakushin' (innovation), 'itsushite shimau' (to miss/lose).
彼は古いタイプの人間で、新しいテクノロジーには懐疑的だ。
he old type of person is, new technology towards skeptical is.
'Ningen' (person/human), 'kaigiteki' (skeptical).
古い文献学的なアプローチでは、このテキストの真意を解き明かすことは困難である。
old philological approach with, this text's true meaning unraveling is difficult.
'Bunken-gaku-teki' (philological), 'shin'i' (true meaning), 'tokiakasu' (to unravel).
古い価値観が根強く残る地域では、ジェンダー平等への理解が進みにくい。
old values deeply rooted remain region in, gender equality towards understanding advance difficult.
'Kachikan' (values), 'neshiboku' (deep-rooted), 'jendā byōdō' (gender equality).
古い歌謡曲には、現代のポピュラー音楽にはない独特の情感が宿っている。
old popular songs in, modern popular music in not unique emotion resides.
'Kayōkyoku' (popular song), 'jōkan' (emotion/feeling), 'yadoru' (to reside/dwell).
古い言い伝えによれば、その山には精霊が棲んでいるという。
old legends according to, that mountain in spirits dwell it is said.
'Iitsutae' (legend/tradition), 'seirei' (spirit), 'sumu' (to dwell).
古い技術の粋を集めた、まさに芸術品と呼ぶにふさわしい逸品だ。
old techniques' essence gathered, truly artwork call to worthy masterpiece.
'Sui' (essence/best part), 'geijutsuhin' (artwork), 'ippin' (masterpiece).
その古い文献に散見される誤字は、写本の伝達過程における変容を示唆している。
that old document in sporadically seen typos, handwritten copy's transmission process in transformations suggest.
'San'ken' (sporadically seen), 'goji' (typo), 'shahon' (handwritten copy), 'hen'yō' (transformation).
古い時代の律令制度は、現代の法体系の淵源の一つと見なされている。
old era's legal system, modern legal system's origin one as is considered.
'Ritsuryō seido' (ancient Japanese legal system), 'enchen' (origin/source), 'hō taikei' (legal system).
古い言葉遣いは、その時代の文化的背景や社会階層を色濃く反映している。
old language use, that era's cultural background and social strata strongly reflects.
'Kotobazukai' (language use/diction), 'shakai kaisō' (social strata), 'irogoku' (strongly/deeply).
古い様式美に固執することは、芸術の停滞を招きかねない。
old stylistic beauty adhere to, art's stagnation invite may.
'Yōshiki bi' (stylistic beauty), 'koshitsu suru' (to adhere to), 'teitai' (stagnation).
古い伝承に語られる神話は、しばしばその民族の根源的な世界観を内包している。
old traditions in told myths, often that people's fundamental worldview contain.
'Denshō' (tradition/lore), 'shinka' (myth), 'kongen-teki' (fundamental), 'sekaikan' (worldview).
古い時代の哲学思想は、現代思想の形成に多大な影響を与えた。
old era's philosophical thought, modern thought's formation in great influence exerted.
'Tetsugaku shisō' (philosophical thought), 'keisei' (formation), 'tadai' (great).
古い楽器の音色は、現代の電子音楽では再現困難な独特の響きを持つ。
old instrument's timbre, modern electronic music in reproduce difficult unique resonance possesses.
'Neiro' (timbre), 'saigen' (reproduction), 'hibiki' (resonance/sound).
古い慣習の解釈を巡っては、学術界でも様々な見解が対立している。
old customs' interpretation surrounding, academic world even various views conflict.
'Kanshu' (custom), 'kaishaku' (interpretation), 'kenkai' (view/opinion), 'tairitsu' (conflict).
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"古い話"
An old story; news that is no longer current or relevant.
その事件はもう古い話だよ。
neutral"古い考え"
Old-fashioned ideas; outdated ways of thinking.
古い考えにとらわれず、もっと柔軟に考えよう。
neutral/negative"古い習慣"
Old customs or traditions that have been practiced for a long time.
古い習慣を守り続けるのは大変だ。
neutral"古いものも新しいものも"
Both old and new things; incorporating elements from the past and present.
古いものも新しいものも大切にする。
neutral"古い記憶をたどる"
To retrace or recall old memories.
古い記憶をたどって、子供の頃の家を探した。
neutral"古い話を持ち出す"
To bring up old matters or past grievances.
喧嘩の時に古い話を持ち出すのはやめよう。
neutral/negativeEasily Confused
Both are pronounced 'furui' and mean 'old'.
旧い is often considered more literary or formal, sometimes emphasizing a deeper sense of history or antiquity compared to the more common 古い.
古い家 (furui ie - common) vs. 旧い文献 (furui bunken - literary/formal old document).
Both relate to the past.
昔 refers to a time period ('long ago', 'the past'), while 古い describes the age of an object or thing within that time or generally.
昔の話 (mukashi no hanashi - a story from the past) vs. 古い話 (furui hanashi - an old story, possibly outdated).
Both can imply something is not modern.
時代遅れ specifically means 'outdated' or 'behind the times', often with a negative connotation of being obsolete. 古い is a more general term for 'old'.
古い携帯 (furui keitai - an old mobile phone) vs. 時代遅れの携帯 (jidai okure no keitai - an outdated mobile phone, implying it's no longer functional or relevant).
Both refer to old items.
アンティーク is a loanword specifically for 'antique', implying value, rarity, and collectibility. 古い is a general term for 'old'.
古い椅子 (furui isu - an old chair) vs. アンティークの椅子 (antiiku no isu - an antique chair, implying it's valuable and collectible).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 古い (です/だ)
この本は古い（です）。(Kono hon wa furui (desu).)
古い + Noun
古い町並みを見る。(Furui machinami o miru.)
Noun + が + 古い
彼の車が古い。(Kare no kuruma ga furui.)
古い + Noun + を + Verb
古い地図を頼りに旅をした。(Furui chizu o tanori ni tabi o shita.)
古い + Noun + の + Noun
古い時代の習慣。(Furui jidai no shūkan.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
古い is primarily for objects and things, not living beings' biological age.
These are direct antonyms; ensure you choose the correct one based on whether something is old or new.
古い implies significant age, not just minor signs of use.
While 古い can be used for memories or eras, context is key. 'Past' events might not necessarily be 'old' in the sense of worn out.
古い implies a significant passage of time, not just being a previous version.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a dusty, ancient library filled with 'fur' (sounds like furui) covered books. Each book represents something old.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 古い when people talk about their grandparents' belongings, historical buildings, or vintage items.
Cultural Insight
Japan values tradition and history. 古い things are often respected and preserved, not just discarded.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 古い + Noun is the most common structure. Like 'furui hon' (old book).
Say It Right
Focus on the soft 'fu' and the tapped 'r' sound. Avoid strong English stress.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 古い for people! It can sound impolite or strange.
Did You Know?
The kanji 古 (ko) itself means 'old' and is used in many related words like 古代 (kodai - ancient times) and 古文書 (komonjo - old document).
Study Smart
Create flashcards with pictures: an old car on one side, 古い車 on the other.
Nuance Matters
Think about *why* something is old. Is it valuable (antique)? Worn out? Historic? Choose your words carefully.
Adjective Forms
Remember you can change 古い to 古かった (furukatta) for past tense ('was old') and 古くない (furukunai) for negative ('is not old').
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'F' (for 'furui') shaped clock that's very, very old.
Visual Association
Picture an ancient, crumbling castle or a dusty, leather-bound book with yellowed pages.
Word Web
Challenge
Find 5 objects around your home and decide if they are 'furui' or 'atarashii'.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: Likely descriptive or onomatopoeic, related to the passage of time and endurance.
Cultural Context
While 古い is generally neutral, using it to describe something that is meant to be modern or functional might imply criticism. Context is key.
In English-speaking cultures, 'old' can sometimes have negative connotations (outdated, worn out), but it can also imply value (antique, vintage, classic). The Japanese word 古い often leans towards the neutral or appreciative side when discussing history, tradition, or valuable objects.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Visiting historical sites
- 古いお寺ですね。(Furui otera desu ne.) - It's an old temple, isn't it?
- この建物はとても古いですか？(Kono tatemono wa totemo furui desu ka?) - Is this building very old?
- 古い町並みが残っています。(Furui machinami ga nokotte imasu.) - Old townscapes remain here.
Talking about possessions
- これは古い本です。(Kore wa furui hon desu.) - This is an old book.
- 古い車ですが、まだ走ります。(Furui kuruma desu ga, mada hashirimasu.) - It's an old car, but it still runs.
- 古い家具を整理しました。(Furui kagu o seiri shimashita.) - I organized the old furniture.
Discussing traditions or ideas
- 古い習慣を守っています。(Furui shūkan o mamotte imasu.) - We are keeping old customs.
- 古い考えにとらわれないでください。(Furui kangae ni torawarenai de kudasai.) - Please don't be bound by old ways of thinking.
- それはもう古い話です。(Sore wa mou furui hanashi desu.) - That's old news now.
Describing antiques or art
- 古い美術品です。(Furui bijutsihin desu.) - It's an old piece of art.
- アンティークな古い時計。(Antiiku na furui tokei.) - An antique old clock.
- 古い時代の工芸品。(Furui jidai no kōgeihin.) - Crafts from an old era.
Conversation Starters
"What's the oldest thing you own?"
"Do you prefer old buildings or modern ones?"
"Have you ever visited a place with very old traditions?"
"What do you think about old movies compared to new ones?"
"Is it important to preserve old things?"
Journal Prompts
Describe an old object that has sentimental value to you.
Write about a time you discovered something surprisingly old.
Reflect on a tradition you consider 'old' and whether it should be continued.
Imagine you found an ancient artifact. What story might it tell?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, generally you should not use 古い for people. Use words like 年配 (nenpai - elderly person) or おじいさん (ojīsan - grandfather/old man) and おばあさん (obāsan - grandmother/old woman) instead.
Not at all! While it can mean outdated, it often implies value, history, or tradition, especially when talking about antiques, historical sites, or classic items.
They are direct opposites. 新しい (atarashii) means 'new' or 'modern', while 古い (furui) means 'old'.
You can say とても古い (totemo furui) or 大変古い (taihen furui).
Yes, depending on the nuance. 旧い (furui) is similar but more literary. 時代遅れ (jidai okure) means 'outdated'. アンティーク (antiiku) is used for valuable antiques.
As an adjective, it doesn't have a tense itself, but you can use its past form 古かった (furukatta) to say something 'was old'.
Yes, it can be used for things like memories (古い記憶 - furui kioku), ideas (古い考え - furui kangae), or eras (古い時代 - furui jidai).
For specific historical periods, you might use words like 現代 (gendai - modern times) or 近代 (kindai - modern era), which contrast with terms like 古代 (kodai - ancient times).
Test Yourself
これは ______ 本です。
The sentence describes a book, and the context implies it is old.
Which word means 'old' for objects?
古い is the Japanese word for 'old' when referring to things.
古い can be used to describe the age of a person.
古い is generally used for objects and things, not people. Different words are used for people's age.
Word
Meaning
Matching Japanese phrases with their English translations.
The correct sentence structure is 'Ano tatemono wa furui desu' (That building is old).
この ______ 建物は歴史的価値が高い。
The phrase 'historical value' suggests the building is old.
Which phrase best describes 'old-fashioned ideas'?
古い考え specifically means old-fashioned or outdated ways of thinking.
The word 古い always carries a negative connotation of being outdated.
古い can be neutral or even positive, implying historical value, tradition, or antiquity, depending on the context.
その ______ 文献には失われた知識が記されていることがある。
The phrase 'lost knowledge' implies the documents are ancient or old.
Translate: 'The ancient city retains its dignity despite the ravages of time.'
This sentence captures the meaning of an old city maintaining its dignity over time.
Score: /10
Summary
古い (furui) is your go-to word for 'old' when talking about things, carrying connotations from antique value to simple agedness.
- Means 'old' for objects, places, and concepts.
- Opposite of 新しい (atarashii - new).
- Generally not used for people's age.
- Can imply history, value, or being outdated depending on context.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a dusty, ancient library filled with 'fur' (sounds like furui) covered books. Each book represents something old.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 古い when people talk about their grandparents' belongings, historical buildings, or vintage items.
Cultural Insight
Japan values tradition and history. 古い things are often respected and preserved, not just discarded.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 古い + Noun is the most common structure. Like 'furui hon' (old book).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
