Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "古い", "ふるい", "老舗", "古式"
All represent the core concept "old", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
古い
ふるい (furui)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
ふるい
ふるい (furui)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
老舗
しにせ (shinise)
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 "古い", "ふるい", "老舗", "古式" based on context.
- 古い (ふるい (furui) - Level: N5): Maps to "old (not for people), aged" and is used when An い-adjective used for things that are old or worn out. It is NOT used for people.
- 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.
- 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 "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.
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 "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" is correct here because it represents "old (not for people), aged" in the context: "This book is old, but very interesting.".