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The English word "old-fashioned" can describe things that are outdated, traditional, or reminiscent of the past.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The most direct and common translation for "old-fashioned" in the sense of being outdated or behind the times.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.
Those clothes are old-fashioned.
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Literally "smells old," this word has a negative nuance, implying something is stale, musty, or hopelessly outdated.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.
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 Often used for machines, systems, or methods that are outdated compared to newer versions.
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.
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.
This café has an old-fashioned (retro) atmosphere.
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.
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時代遅れ (jidaiokure) is the most common and neutral-negative word for "outdated."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.
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.
This shop makes tofu using an old-fashioned method.
He collects old-fashioned (classic) cars.
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.
That teacher is old-fashioned.