古い建物

You can use it as a subject or an object. To say 'This is an old building,' you say これは古い建物です. If you want to say 'I like old buildings,' use 古い建物が好きです. It is very flexible. You can add adverbs like とても (very) to emphasize the age. Just place the adjective directly before the noun. It is as simple as English grammar in this case!

Use it when sightseeing at ancient shrines or temples. It is perfect when looking for an apartment on a budget. Use it when describing your neighborhood to a friend. It works well in casual conversations and professional reports. If you see a rickety structure, this phrase fits perfectly. Even a majestic castle can be called a 古い建物 in a literal sense.

Never use 古い to describe a person. That is considered very rude. For people, use terms like 年配の方 (elderly person). Also, if a building is 'historic' or 'important,' use 歴史的な建物. 古い can sometimes sound a bit plain. If you want to compliment the 'vintage' feel, try レトロな (retro) instead. Avoid using it for food; that would be 古い食べ物, which sounds like it's expired!

Japan has a unique relationship with old buildings. In big cities, buildings are often torn down and rebuilt quickly. This makes surviving 古い建物 feel special and nostalgic. There is a deep appreciation for the 'Show-era' aesthetic from the mid-20th century. Many people find charm in the weathered wood of traditional houses. This phrase often triggers a sense of nostalgia or natsukashii for Japanese speakers.

You might hear 古い家 (furui ie) for an old house. ボロい建物 (boroi tatemono) is a slangy, meaner way to say 'dilapidated.' If the building is a historical monument, people say 歴史的建造物. For a 'vintage' style cafe, you'll hear レトロな建物. If you are talking about an old apartment, people often just say 古いアパート.