Meaning

Primary

Old

Alternatives

Ancient, Out-Of-Date

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. What's the adjective form of old? It's also old, ancient, or out-of-date.

This word is used for things like clothes, food and friendships, but not for people! So a 古い友人 (old friend) is someone you've been friends with for a long time, not an elderly friend.

Reading

ふるい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji with some hiragana attached, it's going to use the kun'yomi reading. You learned the on'yomi when learning the kanji portion, so let's use a mnemonic to help you with the reading of this word:

If you're old, you're also full (ふる) of memories. And you're probably full of old secrets. And you're full from old people food.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 少し古い

    a little old

    かなり古い

    very old

    ちょっと古い

    a bit old

Context Sentences

このドレスは古いです。

This dress is old.

古いタブレットが九千円でうれた。

The old tablet sold for 9,000 yen.

アンティークとか古いものがすきなんです。

I like old things like antiques and whatnot.

Kanji Composition