Translation guide
Describes something old-fashioned, ancient, or no longer in common use, especially in language or style.
To describe something as old-fashioned, outdated, or belonging to an earlier period, often with a nuance of being obsolete.
Means 'old-fashioned' or 'antique' in style. Often used positively for something charmingly old-style.
To refer to words, expressions, or grammatical forms that are no longer in common use and belong to an earlier stage of the language.
Specifically means 'archaic word' or 'classical language'. Used in linguistic contexts.
To describe something as belonging to ancient times, often with a sense of being primitive or from a distant past.
Means 'ancient' or 'of antiquity'. Used for historical periods, artifacts, etc.
古代の文明について学ぶ。
Learn about ancient civilizations.
古風 (kofū) often has a positive or neutral nuance of 'old-style charm', while 時代遅れ (jidaiokure) is more negative, implying something is obsolete and no longer useful.
English 'archaic' is often translated descriptively. There is no single Japanese adjective that covers all uses. Choose based on context: language (古語), style (古風), technology (旧式), etc.
彼女の服装は古風だ。
Her clothing style is old-fashioned.
Literally 'behind the times'. Used for things that are outdated or obsolete, often with a negative connotation.
その考え方は時代遅れだ。
That way of thinking is outdated.
Refers to an old model or type, often used for technology or systems.
このコンピューターは旧式だ。
This computer is an old model.
Means 'stale' or 'musty' in a figurative sense, implying something is old and out of touch.
彼のジョークは古臭い。
His jokes are stale.
'Ito okashi' is an archaic word.
Refers to classical literary language, as opposed to modern spoken language. Often used for written archaic style.
この文章は文語で書かれている。
This text is written in classical literary language.
Elegant or refined archaic word, often used in poetry or formal writing.
雅語は現代ではほとんど使われない。
Elegant archaic words are rarely used today.
Refers to remote antiquity, primeval times. More literary.
太古の昔、恐竜が存在した。
In ancient times, dinosaurs existed.