How to say "old-fashioned" in Japanese

• レトロCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'old-fashioned' in the positive, stylish sense — something from a past era that people now find charming or nostalgic, such as retro design or decor. It is a loanword used for aesthetics rather than for outdated ideas.
  この喫茶店きっさてんは、独特どくとくのレトロさが若者わかものにうけている。↗

  The retro feel of this cafe is a hit with young people.
• 古風こふうCommon
  na-adjective, nounUsed for people, customs, or styles that are old-fashioned in the sense of traditional or conservative in character. A person with old-fashioned manners or values is naturally described this way, usually neutrally or approvingly.
  私の母はははとても古風こふうなんです。↗

  My mother is really of the old school.
• 古めかしいふるめかしいCommon
  i-adjectiveDescribes things that actually look old-fashioned — ancient-looking or time-worn. It often carries a slightly negative nuance that the appearance or feel is dated rather than charming, unlike レトロ.
• 大時代おおじだいCommon
  na-adjective, nounMeans antiquated or anachronistic — hopelessly out of step with the times. For 'old-fashioned' it is a somewhat heavy, bookish choice, and it is often better used for grand, outmoded things rather than everyday styling.
• 昔風むかしふうCommon
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveMeans old-fashioned or old-style in a straightforward descriptive way: something made or done in the manner of former times. Use it when simply characterizing a style or method as belonging to the past.

Use 「レトロ」 for charmingly nostalgic style, 古風 for traditional character, 「古めかしい」 for something looking worn or dated, 昔風 for old-style manner, and 大時代 for antiquated, anachronistic things.

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

• レトロretro
• 古風こふうold-fashioned
• 古めかしいふるめかしいold-fashioned
• 大時代おおじだいold-fashioned
• 昔風むかしふうold-fashioned
• オールドファッションold-fashioned
• 時代遅れじだいおくれold-fashioned
• 頭が古いあたまがふるいold-fashioned (in one's way of thinking)
• 前時代的ぜんじだいてきpremodern
• 懐古的かいこてきnostalgic
• 年寄りくさいとしよりくさいin the manner of an old person
• 昭和しょうわreminiscent of the Shōwa era
• カビ臭いかびくさいold-fashioned
• 昔気質むかしかたぎold-fashioned
• 旧弊きゅうへいold-fashioned
• 古いふるいold-fashioned