Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "ふるい", "老舗", "老獪", "古式", "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
老舗
しにせ (shinise)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
老獪
ろうかい (rōkai)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
古式
こしき (koshiki)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
古活字版
こかっじばん (kokatsujiban)
C2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "old" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "ふるい", "老舗", "老獪", "古式", "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.
- 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.
- 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」.
- 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 "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 "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.
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.".