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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Old" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "old", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

ふるい

ふるい (furui)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

因習

いんしゅう (inshū)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "old" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ふるい and 因習. In Japanese, ふるい (ふるい (furui)) is typically associated with "old (not for people)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An い-adjective. Used for objects, buildings, or things that have existed for a long time. Not used for the age of people. Opposite of 新しい. On the other hand, 因習 (いんしゅう (inshū)) maps to "old custom, tradition (often with a negative connotation of being outdated or rigid)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers specifically to outdated or rigid customs and traditions themselves, rather than the act of clinging to them. It often implies something that should be changed or abandoned.. A literal translation of "old" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ふるい"
このカメラはとてもふるいです。
This camera is very old.
Bilingual Context for "因習"
その村には、いまだに時代遅れの因習が残っている。
Outdated old customs still remain in that village.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "このカメラはとても ___ です。" (Meaning: "This camera is very old.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "ふるい" fits here because it means "old (not for people)" in the context of: "This camera is very old.". "因習" represents "old custom, tradition (often with a negative connotation of being outdated or rigid)".