Translation guide
How to express that someone or something appears aged or old-fashioned in Japanese.
To say that a person looks older than they are, or appears aged.
Common phrase meaning 'to look older than one's age'. Used for people.
彼は実年齢より老けて見える。
He looks older than his actual age.
Specifically 'to look older than one's years'.
To say that an object looks old, worn, or antique.
General phrase for objects that look old.
この建物は古く見える。
This building looks old.
To say that something seems out of style or not modern.
Do not directly translate 'look old' as 古いを見る or similar. Use the phrases above with 見える or appropriate adjectives.
彼女は年より老けて見える。
She looks old for her age.
Verb meaning 'to age' or 'to look old'. Often used in past tense.
最近、老けたね。
You've aged recently.
More literal 'to look older than one's age'.
彼は年齢より上に見える。
He looks older than his age.
Implies something has a well-worn, seasoned look, often positive.
その革の鞄は年季が入っていてかっこいい。
That leather bag looks old and cool.
Verb meaning 'to look old' or 'become antiquated', often for objects.
この机は古びている。
This desk looks old.
Means 'outdated' or 'old-fashioned', not necessarily physically aged.
その服は時代遅れだ。
Those clothes look old-fashioned.
Strongly negative, meaning 'stale' or 'old-fashioned'.
そのデザインは古臭い。
That design looks old-fashioned.
Neutral term for 'outdated'.
この技術はもう時代遅れだ。
This technology looks old now.
Slang for 'uncool' or 'lame', often implying old-fashioned.
その帽子、ダサいよ。
That hat looks old/uncool.