Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "古い", "昔", "因習", "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
昔
むかし (mukashi)
N4 / 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 "古い", "昔", "因習", "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.
- 昔 (むかし (mukashi) - Level: N4): Maps to "old times, ancient times, a long time ago" and is used when Noun or adverb. Refers to a past period, often distant. Commonly used to begin traditional stories.
- 因習 (いんしゅう (inshū) - Level: N2): Maps to "old custom, tradition (often with a negative connotation of being outdated or rigid)" and is used when Refers specifically to outdated or rigid customs and traditions themselves, rather than the act of clinging to them.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 "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 "昔"
昔々、おじいさんとおばあさんがいました。
Once upon a time, there was an old man and an old woman.
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Outdated old customs still remain in that village.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.".