Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "ふるい", "老舗", "因習", "古式"
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
老舗
しにせ (shinise)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
因習
いんしゅう (inshū)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
古式
こしき (koshiki)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "old" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "ふるい", "老舗", "因習", "古式" 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.
- 老舗 (しにせ (shinise) - Level: N2): Maps to "old shop, long-established shop/firm" and is used when Refers specifically to a business that has been operating for a long time.
- 因習 (いんしゅう (inshū) - Level: N2): Maps to "old custom, tradition (often with a negative connotation of being outdated or rigid)" and is used when Refers specifically to outdated or rigid customs and traditions themselves, rather than the act of clinging to them.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..
- 古式 (こしき (koshiki) - Level: N1): Maps to "old style; ancient custom" and is used when Refers to methods, styles, or customs that have been passed down from ancient times, often implying tradition or formality. Commonly used with 「古式ゆかしい」.
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 "老舗"
この和菓子屋は創業200年の老舗だ。
This Japanese confectionery shop is a long-established business founded 200 years ago.
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Outdated old customs still remain in that village.
Context for "古式"
その祭りでは、古式にのっとった儀式が行われる。
In that festival, rituals based on ancient customs are performed.
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.".