Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "古い", "老舗", "因襲", "老獪", "断爛朝報"
All represent the core concept "old", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
古い
ふるい (furui)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
老舗
しにせ (shinise)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
因襲
いんしゅう (inshū)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
老獪
ろうかい (rōkai)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
断爛朝報
だんらんちょうほう (danranchouhou)
C2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "old" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "古い", "老舗", "因襲", "老獪", "断爛朝報" 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.
- 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..
- 断爛朝報 (だんらんちょうほう (danranchouhou) - Level: C2): Maps to "Old, useless documents" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
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 "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 "断爛朝報"
私は断爛朝報に興味があります。
I am interested in Old, useless documents.
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.".