English–Japanese

“ancient times” in Japanese

Japanese

Also古 (inishie)

Pronunciation

Romajikodai

Example

古代には多くの国がありました。ko dai ni wa ō ku no kuni ga a ri ma shi ta

There were many countries in ancient times.

Illustration for 古代 (ancient times)

How to say “ancient times” in Japanese

“Ancient times” in Japanese is 古代 (kodai).

Describes a distant period in the early history of human societies, far removed from the present.

Full entry for 古代: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 古代

博物館で古代の道具を見ました。haku butsu kan de ko dai no dō gu o mi ma shi ta

I saw tools from ancient times at the museum.

Tips for using 古代

  • Unlike 昔 (mukashi), which can mean any time in the past, 古代 (kodai) usually points to a distant historical era.

Other Japanese words for “ancient times”

2

古

inishie

nounancient times

私は古に思いをはせます。watashi wa inishie ni omo i o ha se ma su

I think of ancient times.

“ancient times” in other languages