How to say "ancient" in Japanese

• 古いふるいJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers 'ancient' in its plain sense: something old, aged, or antiquated. The everyday adjective whenever age itself is the point, whether something is worn out or simply dates far back.
  ケンが使つかっている机つくえはもう古ふるい。↗

  The desk that Ken uses is old.
• 積年せきねんCommon
  no-adjectiveIts 'ancient' sense is really 'long-standing': it describes something that has continued for many years, especially hatred or a grudge. For 'ancient' meaning simply old, this is seldom the word you want.

Use 「古い」 when 'ancient' simply means old or aged; reserve 積年 for things that have persisted over many years, above all hatred or grudges, where 'ancient' really means long-standing.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 古いふるいold
• エンシェントancient
• 古期こきold
• 積年せきねんlong-standing (esp. hatred, grudge)