来 歴(らいれき)

らいれき

noun

history; origin; provenance

formal

1. history; origin; background; provenance

The story of how something came to be, its past history, or the chain of ownership or events leading to the present. Often used for objects, places, or people with notable backgrounds.

この建物(たてもの)の来歴(らいれき)を調(しら)べた。

I researched the history of this building.

美術品(びじゅつひん)の来歴(らいれき)が明(あき)らかになった。

The provenance of the artwork was established.

彼(かれ)は複雑(ふくざつ)な来歴(らいれき)を持(も)つ人物(じんぶつ)で、波乱万丈(はらんばんじょう)の人生(じんせい)を送(おく)ってきた。

He is a person with a complex background who has led an eventful life.

Usage

来歴(らいれき) is a somewhat formal word used when tracing the background or provenance of something. It is commonly used in art, antiques, and historical research.

Common collocations

来歴(らいれき)を調(しら)べる (to investigate the history/provenance)
来歴(らいれき)が不明(ふめい) (of unknown provenance)
来歴(らいれき)のある (with a notable history)
来歴(らいれき)を持(も)つ (to have a history/background)

Similar words

経歴(けいれき) focuses on a person's career history or professional background. 由来(ゆらい) refers to the origin or etymology of a word, name, or custom. 来歴(らいれき) is broader, covering the entire chain of history leading to the present state.

Related Words

Compare: 由緒(ゆいしょ) (history, lineage, pedigree)

general

Added 2026.3.5 15:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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