How to say "antiquity" in Japanese

• 古代こだいJLPT N1approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe neutral word for antiquity as a historical period — the distant past, especially of ancient civilizations. Typical in history, archaeology, and everyday discussion of ancient times.
  古代こだいインカの時代じだいに、アメリカ大陸あめりかたいりくでもっとも大おおきい都市としであった。↗

  In the days of the ancient Incas, it was the largest city in America.
• 前世ぜんせいCommon
  nounCovers 'the previous era' more than remote ancient times. Often the word you want is 古代 instead; 前世 can also mean one's former life, so it is frequently a poor match for 'antiquity'.
• 古いにしえJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounA poetical term for ancient times and bygone days. Seldom the word you want in ordinary prose; it belongs to literature, songs, and elevated writing that deliberately evokes the distant past.

Use 古代 for the historical sense of ancient times, 前世 for a previous era, and the poetical 古（いにしえ） when a literary flavor is wanted.

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

• 古代こだいancient times
• 前世ぜんせいantiquity
• 古いにしえantiquity
• 旧故きゅうこantiquity
• 上世かみつよantiquity
• 古雅こがclassical elegance
• 昔年せきねんold times
• 時代じだいoldness