Translation guide
The concept of 'antiquity' refers to ancient times, especially the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, or great age and oldness. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the distant past, especially the classical era of Greece and Rome, or ancient history in general.
The most common and general term for ancient times, often used for historical periods like ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc.
古代ギリシャの哲学は現代にも影響を与えている。
Ancient Greek philosophy still influences the modern world.
古代文明の遺跡を訪れるのが趣味です。
Visiting ruins of ancient civilizations is my hobby.
Means 'since ancient times' or 'from antiquity', often used in formal or written contexts to describe traditions or practices that have continued.
古来より伝わる祭りが今も行われている。
A festival handed down from antiquity is still held today.
Refers specifically to remote antiquity or ancient times in Japanese history, often used in historical or academic contexts.
上古の時代には文字がまだ発明されていなかった。
In remote antiquity, writing had not yet been invented.
Describing something as very old, from a distant past, often with a sense of value or historical importance.
The noun form of 'old', meaning 'antiquity' or 'oldness'. Used for objects, traditions, etc.
この寺院の古さには驚かされる。
I am amazed by the antiquity of this temple.
A more abstract term meaning 'ancientness' or 'antiquity' as a quality, but less common in everyday speech.
その遺物の古代性は専門家によって確認された。
The antiquity of the artifact was confirmed by experts.
Referring to physical objects or ruins from ancient times.
Specifically means 'ancient artifacts' or 'antiquities' as objects.
博物館には多くの古代遺物が展示されている。
Many antiquities are on display at the museum.
Means 'ruins' or 'archaeological site', often associated with antiquity.
ローマ時代の遺跡が市内に点在している。
Roman antiquities are scattered throughout the city.
English 'antiquity' can be ambiguous. In Japanese, you usually need to specify whether you mean the historical period (古代), the quality of being old (古さ), or physical objects (古代遺物). Using a single word for all contexts may sound unnatural.