Japanese word

懐かしい

Pronunciation

Romajinatsukashii

Meaning

  • i-adjectivenostalgic

Example

昔の友達に会うと、懐かしい気持ちになります。mukashi no tomo dachi ni a u to natsu ka shi i ki mo chi ni na ri ma su

When I meet old friends, I feel nostalgic.

Illustration for 懐かしい (nostalgic)

More examples

この曲を聞くと、高校時代が懐かしいです。ko no kyoku o ki ku to kō kō ji dai ga natsu ka shi i de su

This song makes me feel nostalgic about my high school days.

Core concept

Describes something from the past that brings back a sense of familiar warmth and personal attachment.

Common phrases

  • 懐かしい思い出natsu ka shi i omo i de

    nostalgic memories

  • 懐かしい写真natsu ka shi i sha shin

    nostalgic photos

  • 懐かしい歌natsu ka shi i uta

    nostalgic songs

Similar words

恋しいkoishii: Expresses a strong desire to see or have someone or something that is absent.

Definition in Japanese

昔の人や物事に触れて、親しみや愛着がよみがえるさま。mukashi no hito ya mono goto ni fu re te shita shi mi ya ai chaku ga yo mi ga e ru sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective 懐かしい (natsukashii) is connected with 懐く (natsuku, "to become attached"), showing its original link with feeling emotionally drawn to something.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 懐かしい (natsukashii) can be a quick reaction to an old song, snack, or place from the past.

Other meanings

  • deari-adjective
  • fondly rememberedi-adjective

Related words

  • 懐かしさnatsukashisanostalgianoun
  • 懐かしむnatsukashimureminisceverb

Word lists with this word