Meaning

Primary

From Ancient Times

Alternative

Age-Old

Word Type

adverb, noun, の adjective

Explanation

Things that are really old come from ancient times!

This is a relatively formal expression that’s used to talk about age-old things, like customs that have stood the test of time.

Reading

こらい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 古来より用いられる

    to have been used since ancient times

    古来よりつづく

    to have continued since ancient times

    古来よりある

    to have been around since ancient times

Context Sentences

古来から、あの山は「ふじ山」という名だ。

Since ancient times, that mountain has been called "Mt. Fuji."

カッパは、日本古来のヨウカイです。

The kappa is an ancient Japanese yokai.

竹を用いるのは、古来のDIYの仕方です。

Using bamboo is the ancient way of DIY.

Kanji Composition