Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "ふるい", "因襲", "老獪", "古活字版"
All represent the core concept "old", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
ふるい
ふるい (furui)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
因襲
いんしゅう (inshū)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
老獪
ろうかい (rōkai)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
古活字版
こかっじばん (kokatsujiban)
C2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "old" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "ふるい", "因襲", "老獪", "古活字版" based on context.
- ふるい (ふるい (furui) - Level: N5): Maps to "old (not for people)" and is used when 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.
- 因襲 (いんしゅう (inshū) - Level: N1): Maps to "old custom, old tradition, conventionalism, ingrained custom" and is used when 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。.
- 老獪 (ろうかい (rōkai) - Level: N1): Maps to "old and cunning; wily; astute (often implying negative conniving)" and is used when 経験を積んでいて、物事の裏をかくなどずる賢い様子を表す。良い意味ではあまり使われず、策略的で手強い人物を指す。Describes someone who is experienced and shrewd, often in a cunning or sly way, especially in outsmarting others. Rarely used in a positive sense, usually referring to a formidable, strategic person..
- 古活字版 (こかっじばん (kokatsujiban) - Level: C2): Maps to "old movable-type edition" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "ふるい"
このカメラはとてもふるいです。
This camera is very old.
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.
Context for "老獪"
あの政治家は老獪な手腕で、いくつもの難局を乗り越えてきた。
That politician, with his wily tactics, has overcome many difficult situations.
Context for "古活字版"
私は古活字版に興味があります。
I am interested in old movable-type edition.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "old (not for people)" in the context: "This camera is very old.".