古 来(こらい)

こらい

noun, adverb

since ancient times

formaltime-general

1. since ancient times, from olden days

From the distant past up to the present; traditionally.

古来(こらい)より伝(つた)わる伝統(でんとう)だ。

It is a tradition that has been passed down since ancient times.

日本(にほん)では古来(こらい)、米(こめ)が主食(しゅしょく)だった。

In Japan, rice has been the staple food since ancient times.

古来(こらい)の知恵(ちえ)を現代(げんだい)に生(い)かす。

To apply ancient wisdom to modern times.

古来(こらい) means "since ancient times" and can function as both a noun and an adverb. It is composed of 古(こ) (old) + 来(らい) (coming from).

Common patterns

古来(こらい)より: since ancient times (literary)
古来(こらい)から: since ancient times (slightly more colloquial)
古来(こらい)の知恵(ちえ): wisdom from ancient times
古来(こらい)の伝統(でんとう): traditions from ancient times

Similar words

昔(むかし)から: from long ago (everyday, conversational)
太古(たいこ)の昔(むかし): since very ancient times (emphasizes remoteness)
伝統的(でんとうてき)に: traditionally (focuses on custom, not time)
従来(じゅうらい): conventionally, up to now (not as far back as 古来(こらい))

Register

古来(こらい) has a formal, literary tone. In casual speech, 昔(むかし)から is more natural. 古来(こらい) is commonly found in written Japanese, especially when discussing history, culture, or traditions.

Related Words

Compare: 昔(むかし)から (from long ago)

Compare: 伝統的(でんとうてき) (traditionally)

Compare: 従来(じゅうらい) (conventionally, up to now)

general

Added 2026.2.5 20:49 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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