Readings: コ (Onyomi), ふる・ふるい (Kunyomi)
Meaning: old (things)
古 is used to describe things that are old (not people). It is commonly seen in adjectives like 古い (old) and in words such as 中古 (used/second-hand). It is often used to describe items, buildings, or styles.
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 口 (mouth) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 5 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | コ (ko) |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | ふる・ふるい (furu, furui) |
How to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 古 consists of the radical 口 (mouth) below the kanji 十 (ten). The idea comes from “words from long ago” (ten mouths), symbolizing age or tradition.
- Start with the horizontal stroke at the top (十)
- Draw the vertical stroke and then the 口 radical underneath
Example Sentences
Japanese: 古い本を読みました。
Kana: ふるいほんをよみました。
Romaji: Furui hon o yomimashita.
English: I read an old book.
Japanese: この建物はとても古いです。
Kana: このたてものはとてもふるいです。
Romaji: Kono tatemono wa totemo furui desu.
English: This building is very old.
Japanese: 中古の車を買いました。
Kana: ちゅうこのくるまをかいました。
Romaji: Chuuko no kuruma o kaimashita.
English: I bought a second-hand car.
Vocabulary Using 古
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 古い | ふるい | old (things) |
| 中古 | ちゅうこ | used, second-hand |
| 古本 | ふるほん | second-hand book |
| 古代 | こだい | ancient times |
| 古寺 | こじ | ancient temple |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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