Translation guide
A relic is an object surviving from an earlier time, often with historical or sentimental value. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether it's a historical artifact, a religious relic, a personal keepsake, or a remnant of the past.
An object from the past, especially one of historical interest, such as an archaeological find or museum piece.
General term for relics or remains from the past, often used for archaeological artifacts.
この博物館には古代エジプトの遺物が展示されている。
This museum displays relics from ancient Egypt.
Items left behind by a deceased person, often with historical or personal significance.
彼の遺品の中から貴重な手紙が見つかった。
Valuable letters were found among his relics.
Cultural property or heritage item; often used for officially designated relics.
この寺院は重要文化財に指定されている。
This temple is designated as an important cultural relic.
An object of religious veneration, especially a part of a saint's body or belongings.
Specifically a sacred relic in a religious context, often associated with saints or holy figures.
その教会には聖人の聖遺物が保管されている。
The church houses relics of a saint.
Buddhist relics, specifically the cremated remains of the Buddha or a saint.
An object kept for sentimental reasons, reminding one of a person or past event.
A keepsake from a deceased person; a memento left behind.
祖母の形見の指輪を大切にしている。
I treasure my grandmother's ring, a relic from her.
A more general term for a sentimental item, not necessarily from a deceased person.
この切符は旅行の思い出の品だ。
This ticket is a relic from our trip.
Something that has survived from the past but is now outdated or obsolete, often used figuratively.
A trace or vestige of something past; often used for customs or atmospheres that linger.
この町には昔の面影の名残がある。
This town has relics of its old appearance.
Can also be used figuratively for outdated things or ideas.
Literally 'something behind the times'; a relic in the sense of being outdated.
この機械は時代遅れのものだ。
This machine is a relic.
遺物 (いぶつ) is for historical or archaeological relics, while 形見 (かたみ) is a personal keepsake from someone who has passed away. Using 遺物 for a grandmother's ring would sound impersonal and cold.
祖母の形見の指輪（○） / 祖母の遺物の指輪（△）
Grandmother's keepsake ring (natural) / Grandmother's relic ring (unnatural)
The English word 'relic' covers a wide range of meanings. Directly translating it as 遺物 may not fit contexts like personal mementos or outdated technology. Choose the word that matches the specific nuance.
仏舎利を納めた塔が建立された。
A stupa was built to enshrine the Buddha's relics.
That law is a relic of the past.