How to say "old" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 古いふるいi-adjectiveThe everyday adjective for 'old' as said of things — buildings, objects, information — rather than of people; it can also carry a nuance of 'antiquated' or 'outdated'.
- 旧きゅうprefixMatches 'old' only in the sense of 'former' or 'ex-'; it is seldom the word you want for 'old' by itself, working like the prefix 'ex-' in compounds.
- 久しいひさしいi-adjectiveNot a general word for 'old': it describes a long time that has passed, and covers 'old' only where English speaks of an old story, one that goes back a long way.
- 中古ちゅうこno-adjectiveFor 'old' it is really 'used' or 'second-hand': the word for pre-owned goods such as a used car or a used book, not a general way to say something is old.
- 年取ったとしとったprenominal modifierCovers 'old' of people — someone advanced in years, grown old. It is said of persons, not things: the word for 'old' when talking about a person's age.
Use 「古い」 as the all-purpose adjective for old things, 「年取った」 for people advanced in years, 中古 for second-hand goods, 「久しい」 for a long passage of time or an old story, and 旧 for 'former, ex-'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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