古今
also: こきん
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
ancient and modern times; all ages; past and present
Refers to the span of time from the distant past to the present; often used in literary or formal contexts to emphasize timelessness or historical continuity.
Love has been a universal theme in all times and places.
This book is a collection of masterpieces from ancient and modern times.
Usage patterns
- 古今の〈物〉the ... of all ages; all-time ...
This museum displays famous paintings from all ages.
- 古今に類を見ない〈事〉unparalleled throughout history
This is an incident unparalleled in all of history.
- 古今を通じてthroughout all ages; across time
That story has been loved by many people throughout the ages.
Expressions
- 古今無双unparalleled in history; matchless through all ages