Old in Japanese
"old" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
旧
kyu
8 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "old". The most common choice is shown first.
Top pick
old
Reading: ko
5 strokes
Where it comes from
Composed of '十' (ten) and '口' (mouth). What survives oral tradition for ten generations.
What it carries
Tradition, history, value. Reflects Japanese culture's respect for old things.
Related kanji for "old"
old times, old things, old friend(also: former, ex-)
kyuu · peaceful
Simplified form of mortar. Old mortar.
old man, old age, grow old(also: )
rou · dynamic
A pictograph of an elderly person with long hair and a cane. Means aged person and longevity.
old woman(also: grandma, wet nurse)
ba · elegant
Composed of wave and woman. Woman like wave.
old story(also: long time)
kyuu
Shape of person holding staff. Long time.
years old(also: genius, cubic shaku)
sai
Shape of damming river. Talent.
old times(also: once upon a time, antiquity)
seki
Shape of two suns stacked. Past days.
old man(also: military officer, jailer, rank)
i · powerful
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for old?
The most common kanji for "old" is 古, read as ko. It means old. Related kanji: 旧 (old times, old things, old friend), 老 (old man, old age, grow old), 婆 (old woman), 久 (old story), 才 (years old), 昔 (old times) and more.
How many strokes does 古 have?
古 has 5 strokes.