古代

• Reading: こだい
• Romaji: kodai
• Kanji breakdown: 古 (ko/furu) — old, ancient; 代 (dai/yo) — generation, era
• Pronunciation: /ko.da.i/

Meaning

Ancient times; distant past; antiquity. The earliest periods of civilisation.

A noun (also used as a noun modifier with の) referring to the ancient historical period. In Japanese history, 古代 covers roughly the Asuka through Heian periods. Common compounds: 古代文明 (kodai bunmei, ancient civilisation), 古代人 (kodaijin, ancient people), 古代遺跡 (kodai iseki, ancient ruins). Contrasts with 近代 and 現代.

Examples

1. 古代エジプトのピラミッドは世界遺産だ。 The pyramids of ancient Egypt are a World Heritage Site.
2. 古代の人々はどんな生活をしていたのだろう。 I wonder what life was like for people in ancient times.
3. 博物館で古代の土器を見て感動した。 I was moved by the ancient pottery I saw at the museum.

Usage Guide

Context: history, archaeology, education

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 古 (ko, old/ancient) and 代 (dai, era/generation). Literally 'the old era', referring to the most distant recorded periods of history.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated