古語

こご
Frequency:
1

an archaic or obsolete word; a term no longer used in modern language (often found in classical literature)

Noun

Examples

古語は古典文学を読むときによく出てくる。

Archaic words often appear when reading classical literature.

『いと』や『をかし』は有名な古語だ。

'ito' and 'okashi' are well-known archaic words.

授業で古語の意味を辞書で調べた。

I looked up the meanings of archaic words in the dictionary during class.

2

an old saying or adage; a traditional expression or proverb from the past

Noun

Examples

祖父はときどき古語のような言い回しで教えを伝えた。

My grandfather sometimes conveyed teachings using old-fashioned expressions.

古語に由来することわざが地域に残っている。

Proverbs derived from old sayings remain in the region.

3

the old/ancient form of a language; classical language (e.g., classical Japanese)

Noun

Examples

古語を学ぶと古文を理解しやすくなる。

Learning archaic words makes it easier to understand classical texts.

この詩は古語で書かれているため現代語訳が必要だ。

This poem is written in an old form of the language, so a modern translation is necessary.

大学で古語の研究をしている学生がいる。

There are students at the university studying archaic language.