Translation guide
The concept of something belonging to the wrong time period, often used in historical or fictional contexts.
To refer to something that is historically out of place, such as a modern object in a period film or an outdated practice in modern times.
The most direct and common translation for 'anachronism'. It can refer to objects, ideas, or behaviors that are out of their proper historical time.
その映画には時代錯誤がいくつかあった。
There were several anachronisms in that movie.
彼の考え方は時代錯誤だ。
His way of thinking is an anachronism.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'something that does not fit the era'. Useful when you want to emphasize the mismatch rather than using a single noun.
この建物は現代の街並みには時代にそぐわないものだ。
This building is an anachronism in the modern cityscape.
The loanword from English. It is understood, especially in academic or artistic contexts, but sounds technical and is less common in everyday speech.
歴史家はその文書のアナクロニズムを指摘した。
The historian pointed out the anachronism in the document.
Specifically for mistakes in movies, books, or art where something appears in the wrong historical period.
Literally 'mistake in historical research/accuracy'. This is the standard term used in film and literary criticism for anachronistic errors.
このドラマには時代考証のミスが多い。
This drama has many anachronisms.
Also used in this context, but 時代考証のミス is more precise when talking about production errors.
そのシーンでは、登場人物がまだ発明されていない電話を使っているという時代錯誤があった。
In that scene, there was an anachronism where a character used a telephone that hadn't been invented yet.
To describe a person, custom, or institution that is old-fashioned and out of place in the modern world.
Means 'outdated' or 'behind the times'. It is commonly used for people, ideas, or technology that are no longer modern.
彼は時代遅れの考え方を持っている。
He has anachronistic ideas.
その会社の経営方針は時代遅れだ。
That company's management policy is an anachronism.
Can also be used for outdated people or practices, but 時代遅れ is more common in casual contexts.
時代錯誤 (じだいさくご) emphasizes a mismatch with a specific historical period, often used for factual errors or deliberate stylistic choices. 時代遅れ (じだいおくれ) simply means 'outdated' or 'old-fashioned' and is more about being behind current trends. For anachronisms in fiction, 時代考証のミス is the most precise term.
Do not try to translate 'anachronism' word-for-word as '時間の間違い' or similar. It will not be understood. Use the terms above depending on context.
彼女の服装は時代錯誤もいいところだ。
Her outfit is a complete anachronism.