レトロ
retoro
The English phrase "retro" is translated into Japanese as レトロ (retoro).
レトロ is the go-to term for most Japanese people to describe anything retro. It refers to things relating to the past or the way things were. If you want to express a sense of personal nostalgia or memories, the word 懐かしい is used. To describe something as being specifically old-fashioned or reminiscent of the past, you can also use 昔風.
Meaning: of, or relating to the past, past times, or the way things were (adj)
Which one should you use?
While レトロ is the standard term for the concept of retro, other words carry different nuances. 古風 is used in more formal contexts to mean old-fashioned or of a bygone era, and 復古 refers specifically to the act of reviving or imitating a previous style.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using レトロ as an adjective to modify a noun, it is common to add the particle な to form レトロな.
How do you pronounce it?
retoro
Did you know?
- In Japan, レトロ often specifically evokes the Meiji and Taisho eras, blending Western architecture and fashion with traditional Japanese styles.
- You might find レトロ used in the names of many Japanese cafes that specialize in 'Kissaten' style, serving much older, traditional coffee culture.
- The phrase 昭和レトロ refers to a specific nostalgia for the Showa era, often manifesting as a love for 1950s to 1980s kitsch and neon signs.
Examples in context
- 最近、若者たちの間でレトロなファッションが再び流行っていますRecently, retro fashion has become trendy again among young people
- この店では、古風な家具やレトロなアンティークを見つけることができますYou can find old-fashioned furniture and retro antiques at this store
- あの頃の音楽を聴くと、本当に懐かしくなりますListening to the music from that time really makes me feel nostalgic
- この喫茶店はレトロな雰囲気ですね。Kono kissaten wa retoro na fun'iki desu ne.This cafe has a retro atmosphere, doesn't it?
- レトロなデザインの服が大好きです。Retoro na dezain no fuku ga daisuki desu.I love retro design clothing.
- レトロなゲームを遊んでいます。Retoro na geemu o asonde imasu.I am playing retro games.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are walking through an old district of town.
- 蓮 Ren見て、あそこにレトロな時計店があるよ。Mite, asoko ni retoro na tokeiten ga aru yo.Look, there is a retro clock shop over there.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ！お店の外観がすごく素敵だね。Hontō da! Omise no gaikan ga sugoku suteki da ne.You're right! The exterior of the shop is really lovely.
- 蓮 Ren中に入って、古い時計を見てみようか。Naka ni haitte, furui tokei o mite miyō ka.Shall we go inside and look at the old clocks?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、行こう。きっと面白いものがあるよ。Un, ikō. Kitto omoshiroi mono ga aru yo.Yeah, let's go. I'm sure there will be some interesting things.
