Translation guide
The English word "old-fashioned" can describe things that are outdated, traditional, or reminiscent of the past. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you mean something is no longer in style, deliberately classic, or simply from an earlier era. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these nuances.
Describing something that is behind the times, unfashionable, or obsolete.
The most direct and common translation for "old-fashioned" in the sense of being outdated or behind the times. Can be used for objects, ideas, or people.
その服は時代遅れだ。
Those clothes are old-fashioned.
彼の考え方は時代遅れだ。
His way of thinking is old-fashioned.
Literally "smells old," this word has a negative nuance, implying something is stale, musty, or hopelessly outdated. Often used for ideas, styles, or things that feel stale.
そのデザインは古臭い。
That design is old-fashioned (and stale).
Means "old-style" or "old model." Often used for machines, systems, or methods that are outdated compared to newer versions.
このコンピューターは旧式だ。
This computer is old-fashioned (an old model).
Literally "old-style" or "in the manner of the past." Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context. Less common than 時代遅れ.
彼の話し方は昔風だ。
His way of speaking is old-fashioned.
Describing something that is deliberately old-style in a charming, classic, or retro way.
Borrowed from English "retro." Used for things that are intentionally old-fashioned in a stylish or nostalgic way, like fashion, design, or music.
このカフェはレトロな雰囲気だ。
This café has an old-fashioned (retro) atmosphere.
彼女はレトロな服が好きだ。
She likes old-fashioned (retro) clothes.
Means "old-fashioned" in a positive, elegant, or classical sense. Often used for architecture, manners, or art that is charmingly antiquated.
From English "classic." Used for things that are timeless and traditional, like classic cars or classic style. Overlaps with "old-fashioned" when implying enduring quality.
Describing a person who has old-fashioned tastes, habits, or thinking.
Describes a person who is old-fashioned in their values, work ethic, or way of thinking, often with a nuance of being steadfast and traditional. Can be positive or neutral.
彼は昔気質の職人だ。
He is an old-fashioned craftsman.
When used for a person, it implies they are stuck in the past, with stale ideas or habits. Negative nuance.
時代遅れ (jidaiokure) is the most common and neutral-negative word for "outdated." レトロ (retro) is positive and implies intentional old-style charm. 古風 (kofū) is positive and elegant, often used in formal or written contexts. Choose based on whether you want to criticize, praise, or neutrally describe.
The literal translation "古い流行" (furui ryūkō) is not natural Japanese. Use the words in this guide instead.
This town has many old-fashioned buildings.
彼女は古風な言葉遣いをする。
She uses old-fashioned language (in a charming way).
Means "as it was in the old days," emphasizing that something has been preserved in its traditional form. Often used for methods, recipes, or customs.
この店は昔ながらの製法で豆腐を作っている。
This shop makes tofu using an old-fashioned method.
彼はクラシックな車を集めている。
He collects old-fashioned (classic) cars.
うちの父は古臭い考えを持っている。
My dad has old-fashioned ideas.
Can also describe a person who is behind the times, but it's more direct and slightly harsher than 昔気質.
あの先生は時代遅れだ。
That teacher is old-fashioned.