古代の
The Japanese word for ancient is 古代の.
古代の is used to describe things that are existent or occurring in time long past. It is the standard term used when discussing historical periods, such as 古代文明 (ancient civilization).
Meaning: existent or occurring in time long past (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is based on the noun 古代, which means ancient times. This noun consists of the characters for 'old/ancient' (古) and 'generation/age' (代).
Which one should you use?
While 古代の refers to historical ancient periods like classical antiquity, the term 太古の is used to refer to much more distant, prehistoric or primeval times.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の is used to turn the noun 古代 (ancient times) into an adjective that modifies a noun.
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word 古色 which refers to the 'ancient color' or patina that develops on an object as it ages, which is considered an aesthetic virtue.
- The character 代 in 古代 can mean 'generation', but it also translates to 'instead of' or 'in place of' in many common Japanese grammar structures.
- In Japanese pop culture, 太古の is frequently used in the titles of fantasy series or myths to evoke a sense of mystical, prehistoric magic that 古代の lacks.
Examples in context
- 私は古代の言語を学ぶことが好きです。I like learning ancient languages.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for learning 古代の languages.Tatoeba #4975789 by rachie, translation #2439770 by Eldad
- これが古代の法です。This is an ancient law.This sentence is useful for identifying 古代の law.Tatoeba #866816 by thyc244, translation #54869 by papabear
- 遠くに古代の遺跡が見えるでしょう。You can see the ancient ruins in the distance.This sentence is useful for describing the sight of 古代の ruins in the distance.Tatoeba #188688 by mookeee, translation #25834 by CK
- 「古代ローマ」を研究するのが好きです。I enjoy studying ancient Rome.
- 太古の文明についての研究をしています。I'm researching about prehistoric civilizations.
- 昔の伝統を守ることは重要です。Preserving ancient traditions is important.
- この建物はとても古いですね。This building is very ancient/old, isn't it?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yuta and Yui are looking at a history book in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiこの本には古代の文明について書いてあるよ。Kono hon ni wa kodai no bunmei ni tsuite kaite aru yo.This book is about ancient civilizations.
- 陽太 Yota古代の歴史はとても面白そうだね。Kodai no rekishi wa totemo omoshirosou dane.Ancient history looks very interesting.
- 結衣 Yui陽太君は歴史に興味があるの？Yuta-kun wa rekishi ni kyoumi ga aru no?Yuta, are you interested in history?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、昔のことはずっと気になるんだ。Un, mukashi no koto wa zutto ki ni narunda.Yeah, I've always been curious about the past.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
