Japanese word

古来

Pronunciation

Romajikorai

Meaning

  • adverbsince ancient times

Example

この祭りは古来続いています。ko no matsu ri wa ko rai tsuzu i te i ma su

This festival has continued since ancient times.

Illustration for 古来 (since ancient times)

More examples

この技法は古来受け継がれています。ko no gi hō wa ko rai u ke tsu ga re te i ma su

This technique has been passed down since ancient times.

Core concept

古来 (korai) marks a long historical continuity from ancient times to the present rather than a specific starting date.

Common phrases

  • 古来よりko rai yo ri

    since ancient times

Similar words

従来jūrai: It describes what has been customary or true up to the present.
古くからfurukukara: It means since a distant time in the past, especially for established customs or practices.
久しくhisashiku: It describes something that has lasted for a long time, without specifying an ancient beginning.

Definition in Japanese

はるかな昔から今まで続いているさま。ha ru ka na mukashi ka ra ima ma de tsuzu i te i ru sa ma

Word origin

古来 (korai) is formed from the Sino-Japanese readings of 古 (ko, "old") and 来 (rai, "come"), with the combined sense of coming from old times.

Usage tips

  • 古来 (korai) is especially natural in formal statements about cultural traditions, where it emphasizes continuity over a precise date.

Word lists with this word