ヴィンテージ
vintēji
The English phrase "vintage" can be expressed in Japanese as ヴィンテージ (vintēji).
ヴィンテージ is used to describe something with an enduring appeal or a classic quality.
Meaning: having an enduring appeal, classic (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ヴィンテージ refers to something classic or having enduring appeal, the term レトロな is used specifically to describe things with a nostalgic or vintage style.
How do you pronounce it?
vintēji
Did you know?
- While ヴィンテージ is a loanword, the Japanese have a specific aesthetic called wabi-sabi that finds beauty in the aged and imperfect qualities of old objects.
- Japanese-style 'vintage' often refers to 'show-era' (Showa era) items, creating a specific cultural category of nostalgia that differs from Western concepts of vintage.
- The word ヴィンテージ uses a small ィ to create a sound that does not naturally exist in the Japanese alphabet, mimicking the English 'vi' sound.
Examples in context
- このお守りはアンティークなものです。This amulet is antique.
- 今日はレトロな雰囲気のカフェに行こう！Let's go to a café with a retro vibe today!
- ヴィンテージの時計はかっこいい。Vintēji no tokei wa kakkoii.Vintage watches are cool.
- このヴィンテージのジャケットを着たい。Kono vintēji no jaketto o kitai.I want to wear this vintage jacket.
- ヴィンテージの家具を探しています。Vintēji no kagu o sagashite imasu.I am looking for vintage furniture.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are browsing a clothing store together.
- 美咲 Misakiこのジャケット、すごくいいデザインだね。Kono jaketto, sugoku ii dezain da ne.This jacket has a really great design.
- 陽太 Yotaうん、ヴィンテージの魅力があるよね。Un, vintēji no miryoku ga aru yo ne.Yeah, it has that vintage appeal.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くんも似合うと思うよ。Yōta-kun mo niau to omou yo.I think it would look good on you, Yota.
- 陽太 Yota本当？じゃあ、試着してみるよ。Hontō? Jā, shichaku shite miru yo.Really? Then I'll try it on.
