遺跡(いせき)

いせき
noun
ruins, historic site, remains
See also: 移籍(いせき) (transfer (sports))
1. ruins, historic site, archaeological remains
The remains or traces of an ancient civilization, building, or settlement. Archaeological sites from the past.
遺跡(いせき)を訪(おとず)れる。
To visit ruins.
遺跡(いせき)から銅貨(どうか)が発掘(はっくつ)された。
Copper coins were excavated from the ruins.
古代(こだい)の遺跡(いせき)。
Ancient ruins.

遺跡(いせき) refers to the physical remains of past civilizations or historical sites — ruins, archaeological sites, and ancient settlements. Composed of 遺(い) (leave behind) + 跡(せき) (trace/remains).

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 遺跡(いせき)を発掘(はっくつ)する: to excavate ruins
  • 遺跡(いせき)を調査(ちょうさ)する: to survey/investigate ruins
  • 古代(こだい)遺跡(いせき): ancient ruins
  • 世界(せかい)遺産(いさん)の遺跡(いせき): World Heritage ruins

FAMOUS EXAMPLES:

  • 三内丸山(さんないまるやま)遺跡(いせき): Sannai-Maruyama site (Jomon period)
  • 吉野ヶ里(よしのがり)遺跡(いせき): Yoshinogari ruins (Yayoi period)

RELATED TERMS:

  • 史跡(しせき): officially designated historic site
  • 遺物(いぶつ): artifact, relic
  • 発掘(はっくつ): excavation
  • 考古学(こうこがく): archaeology
general
Added 2026.2.2 19:21 · Revised 2026.3.26 15:22
09500/09527_iseki