How to Say "Historical" in Japanese

歴史的

rekishiteki

The English word 'historical' is translated into Japanese as 歴史的 (rekishiteki).

歴史的 is used to describe things pertaining to history.

Meaning: pertaining to history (adj)

How does it change in a sentence?

When modifying a noun directly, you must add な (na) to the end of 歴史的 to form the adjectival phrase 歴史的な.

rekishiteki

While 歴史的な means 'historical' in the sense of pertaining to the past, Japanese uses a different word, 歴史ある (rekishi aru), to describe something 'historic' or prestigious.
The character 的 (teki), which makes the word 'historical', originally meant 'target' or 'mark'.
The word 歴史 (rekishi) is composed of characters meaning 'record' and 'story', reflecting the idea that history is a recorded narrative rather than just a sequence of events.

地震は、たくさんの歴史的建造物に被害をもたらした。
Many historical buildings were damaged in the earthquake.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 歴史的 when describing buildings.
Tatoeba #12700724 by small_snow, translation #13890002 by zogwarg
この古城は歴史的な価値があります。
This ancient castle has historical value.
古代の遺跡は歴史的な価値があります。
Ancient ruins have historical value.
この祭りは地域の遺産的な意味があります。
This festival has a historical significance for the region.
彼の言葉は歴史に残る名言だ。
His words are memorable throughout history.
この本は歴史的な出来事を語っているよ。
This book tells about a historical event.
この都市には、多くの歴史的価値がある場所があります。
Kono toshi ni wa, ooku no rekishiteki kachi ga aru basho ga arimasu.
There are many places with historical value in this city.
それは、歴史的な出来事として記録されています。
Sore wa, rekishiteki na dekigoto toshite kiroku sarete imasu.
That is recorded as a historical event.

Yui and Yota are visiting an old castle.

結衣 Yui

このお城はとても歴史的な場所ですね。
Kono oshiro wa totemo rekishiteki na basho desu ne.
This castle is a very historical place, isn't it?
陽太 Yota

はい、本当に素晴らしい雰囲気です。
Hai, hontō ni subarashii fun'iki desu.
Yes, it has a truly wonderful atmosphere.
結衣 Yui

陽太さんは歴史に興味がありますか？
Yōta-san wa rekishi ni kyōmi ga arimasu ka?
Are you interested in history, Yota?
陽太 Yota

はい、昔の話を聞くのが好きです。
Hai, mukashi no hanashi o kiku no ga suki desu.
Yes, I like listening to stories about the past.

Sources

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