昔馴染(むかしなじ)み

Composed of 昔(むかし) (the past, long ago) + 馴染(なじ)み (familiarity, acquaintance). Can refer to people, places, or shops that one has known for a long time.

Common collocations

• 昔馴染(むかしなじ)みの友人(ゆうじん): an old friend from way back
• 昔馴染(むかしなじ)みの店(みせ): a shop one has frequented for years
• 昔馴染(むかしなじ)みに再会(さいかい)する: to reunite with an old acquaintance

Similar words

• 幼馴染(おさななじ)み: childhood friend — specifically someone known since early childhood; stronger implication of having grown up together
• 旧友(きゅうゆう): old friend — more formal and literary
• 知(し)り合(あ)い: acquaintance — neutral, without the nostalgic or long-standing nuance

Usage

Carries a warm, nostalgic tone. Unlike 幼馴染(おさななじ)み}, which specifically refers to childhood, 昔馴染(むかしなじ)み can refer to any long-standing connection from the past.