1.
since ancient times, from olden days
From the distant past up to the present; traditionally.
古来より伝わる伝統だ。
It is a tradition that has been passed down since ancient times.
日本では古来、米が主食だった。
In Japan, rice has been the staple food since ancient times.
古来の知恵を現代に生かす。
To apply ancient wisdom to modern times.
古来 means "since ancient times" and can function as both a noun and an adverb. It is composed of 古 (old) + 来 (coming from).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 古来より: since ancient times (literary)
- 古来から: since ancient times (slightly more colloquial)
- 古来の知恵: wisdom from ancient times
- 古来の伝統: traditions from ancient times
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 昔から: from long ago (everyday, conversational)
- 太古の昔: since very ancient times (emphasizes remoteness)
- 伝統的に: traditionally (focuses on custom, not time)
- 従来: conventionally, up to now (not as far back as 古来)
REGISTER:
古来 has a formal, literary tone. In casual speech, 昔から is more natural. 古来 is commonly found in written Japanese, especially when discussing history, culture, or traditions.