旧 — Old, Former

Meaning

“旧” (kyū) is an important JLPT N2 kanji that often means “old,” “former,” or “bygone.” It’s not simply about something being physically old; it carries the nuance of something that used to be or belongs to a previous state or time. You can think of it as conveying a sense of “ex-” or “previous.”

Visually, 旧 is composed of two parts. The top part is a simplified form of 臼 (usu), meaning “mortar.” The bottom part is 隹 (furutori or tori), a radical representing “bird” or “old bird.” While its exact etymology is debated, a common interpretation links it to an old mortar, or perhaps a bird resting on a long-abandoned structure. This imagery subtly suggests things that have endured many years, are part of the past, or are no longer in their prime. An old mortar shows wear from repeated use over time, and a bird might seek an old, quiet place to rest. This visual connection to things that have existed for a long time or have been left behind perfectly captures the kanji's core meaning of “old” or “former.”

With just 5 strokes, 旧 is relatively simple to write. Mastering this kanji is crucial for progressing to the JLPT N2 level, as it unlocks a wide range of vocabulary related to history, time, and transitions. Understanding its subtle meaning is key to differentiating it from other kanji like 古 (furu), which often refers to general age or antiquity.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 旧 is キュウ (kyū). This is by far the most common reading you'll encounter for 旧, especially when it forms part of compound words. When used with this reading, 旧 almost always signifies “old,” “former,” “previous,” or “bygone.” It frequently denotes something that once was but is no longer, or a predecessor.

• 旧きゅう友ゆう (kyūyū) — an old friend, a friend from the past. This emphasizes the long history of the friendship.
• 旧きゅう式しき (kyūshiki) — old-fashioned, obsolete, old style. This term applies to anything from machinery and clothes to methods that are no longer modern or current.
• 旧きゅう暦れき (kyūreki) — the old calendar. This refers to traditional calendars used in the past, often contrasted with the modern Gregorian calendar.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

While 旧 is predominantly used with its On'yomi, it does have a couple of Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) listed. However, it's important to note that these are less commonly encountered as direct, standalone readings of the kanji 旧 within a word.

• ふる.い (furu.i): This reading implies “old” or “ancient.” While 旧 represents this meaning, the word “old” is almost always written using the kanji 古ふるい. Occasionally, you might see 旧いふるい as a variant to emphasize a more historical or former sense of "old," but this usage is rare in modern Japanese. Its inclusion here highlights its conceptual link rather than its direct, common usage as a standalone adjective.
• もと (moto): This reading means “former,” “original,” or “basis.” Similar to ふるい, this reading is typically associated with the kanji 元もと or 本もと. However, 旧 conceptually embodies the “former” aspect. For example, while “former company” is usually written as 元もとの会社かいしゃ, understanding that 旧 carries this "former" sense helps in grasping compounds like 旧きゅう姓せい (kyūsei), meaning “former surname.”

Common Words & Compounds

Here are some common and more advanced words where 旧 is used, categorized by the nuance they convey. Mastering these compounds will significantly expand your N2 vocabulary!

Time & Historical Context: These words often refer to elements from the past, traditional systems, or specific historical periods.

• 旧きゅう暦れき (kyūreki) — Old calendar, lunar calendar. This refers to traditional calendars used before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
• 旧きゅう年ねん (kyūnen) — Last year. A common term, especially around New Year's, to refer to the year that just ended.
• 旧きゅう市し街がい (kyūshigai) — Old town, old downtown area. This describes the historical or older part of a city.
• 旧きゅう石せっ器き時じ代だい (kyūsekki jidai) — Paleolithic Age, Old Stone Age. A historical term.

Things & Systems: These compounds describe items, methods, or political structures that are outdated or from a previous era.

• 旧きゅう式しき (kyūshiki) — Old-fashioned, obsolete. Used for anything from clothing to technology.
• 旧きゅう態たい依い然ぜん (kyūtaiizen) — Remaining unchanged, sticking to old ways, still as before. This term often carries a slightly negative connotation.
• 旧きゅう体たい制せい (kyūtaisei) — Old system, old regime. Refers to a former political or social structure.
• 旧きゅう車しゃ (kyūsha) — Vintage car, classic car. Specifically refers to older, often collectible, automobiles.

People & Relationships: Here, 旧 highlights past connections or former identities.

• 旧きゅう友ゆう (kyūyū) — Old friend. Emphasizes the longevity of the friendship.
• 旧きゅう姓せい (kyūsei) — Former surname, maiden name. Commonly used, especially for women after marriage.
• 旧きゅう知ち (kyūchi) — Old acquaintance. Someone you've known for a while.

Places & Positions: Indicating former locations or positions.

• 旧きゅう都と (kyūto) — Old capital (city). Refers to a city that was formerly a national capital.

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To remember 旧, let's use a visual story! Imagine an old (旧), rusty mortar (臼) that has been sitting untouched for ages. A little bird (隹), perhaps an old sparrow, comes to rest on top of it, making it its home. This bird has seen many seasons pass, just like the mortar has witnessed countless years. The image of the “old bird” on the “old mortar” perfectly encapsulates the meaning of “old,” “former,” or “bygone.” Think of it as: “An old bird (隹) on an old mortar (臼) represents 'old' things.” This visual should help you recall 旧 (kyū) whenever you encounter it!