Translation guide
The superlative form of 'old', referring to the greatest age among people, things, or abstract concepts. Japanese expresses this through specific adjectives, nouns, and sentence patterns depending on what is being described.
Describing the person with the highest age in a family, team, or other group.
A formal noun meaning 'the oldest person' in a group. Commonly used in official contexts, workplaces, or when stating facts.
彼がチームで最年長です。
He is the oldest on the team.
A casual, everyday way to say 'the oldest' among people. Literally 'most senior in age'.
兄弟の中で私が一番年上です。
I'm the oldest among my siblings.
Specifically means 'eldest son' in a family. Use only when referring to a male child.
長男は医者になりました。
The oldest son became a doctor.
Specifically means 'eldest daughter' in a family.
長女は大学生です。
The oldest daughter is a college student.
Describing the thing with the greatest age, such as artifacts, structures, or items.
Means 'the oldest' for objects, documents, buildings, etc. Often used in historical or academic contexts.
これは日本最古の木造建築です。
This is the oldest wooden building in Japan.
The most common and versatile way to say 'the oldest' for things. Can be used in casual and formal settings.
この店が町で一番古いです。
This shop is the oldest in town.
Referring to the earliest or most ancient in terms of origin, not physical age.
Also used for abstract concepts like 'oldest record', 'oldest tradition', etc.
これは最古の記録です。
This is the oldest record.
A slightly more formal version of 一番古い, suitable for written language.
これは日本で最も古い祭りです。
This is the oldest festival in Japan.
Referring to the firstborn child without specifying gender.
A neutral term meaning 'first child'. Used in formal contexts like surveys or medical forms.
第一子が生まれました。
Our first child (oldest) was born.
A common, casual way to refer to one's older child, often used in parenting contexts.
上の子は小学校に通っています。
The oldest child goes to elementary school.
The adjective 古い (furui) means 'old' for objects, not people. Using it for a person would be rude, implying they are outdated or worn-out. Use 年上 (toshiue) or 年を取っている (toshi o totteiru) for people.