Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Old" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "old", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
古い
ふるい (furui)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
因襲
いんしゅう (inshū)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "old" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 古い and 因襲.
In Japanese, 古い (ふるい (furui)) is typically associated with "old (not for people), aged" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An い-adjective used for things that are old or worn out. It is NOT used for people.
On the other hand, 因襲 (いんしゅう (inshū)) maps to "old custom, old tradition, conventionalism, ingrained custom" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 昔からの習慣やしきたりで、特に時代遅れであったり、改めるべきだと考えられるものに対して使われることが多い。ネガティブなニュアンスを含む。. A literal translation of "old" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "古い"
この本は古いですが、とても面白いです。
This book is old, but very interesting.
Bilingual Context for "因襲"
その村ではいまだに因襲にとらわれた風習が残っている。
Old-fashioned customs still remain in that village.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この本は ＿＿＿ ですが、とても面白いです。" (Meaning: "This book is old, but very interesting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "古い" fits here because it means "old (not for people), aged" in the context of: "This book is old, but very interesting.". "因襲" represents "old custom, old tradition, conventionalism, ingrained custom".