1.
primitive man; prehistoric human; caveman
humans from prehistoric times who lived before the development of civilization
原始人は石器を使っていた。
Primitive humans used stone tools.
博物館で原始人の生活を再現した展示を見た。
I saw an exhibit at the museum that recreated the lifestyle of prehistoric humans.
原始人がどのように火を使い始めたかは、人類学の重要な研究テーマだ。
How primitive humans began to use fire is an important research topic in anthropology.
2.
primitive person; caveman (figurative)
used humorously or critically to describe someone who is unsophisticated, technologically illiterate, or behind the times
スマホも使えないなんて、原始人かよ。
You can't even use a smartphone? Are you a caveman?
キャッシュレスの時代に現金しか使わないのは原始人みたいだ。
Only using cash in the cashless era is like being a caveman.
友人に「まだガラケー使ってるの？原始人じゃん」と言われた。
My friend said to me, 'You're still using a flip phone? You're like a caveman.'
Composed of 原始 (primitive; primeval) + 人 (person). In sense 1, it is a general term for early humans from the Stone Age or earlier. In sense 2, it is used as humorous slang to tease someone for being behind the times, especially regarding technology.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 原始人の生活: the life of primitive humans
- 原始人みたい: like a caveman
- 原始人の時代: the era of primitive humans
- 原始人のような暮らし: a caveman-like lifestyle
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 古代人: ancient people — people from ancient civilizations (more advanced than 原始人)
- 旧石器時代の人: Paleolithic people — a more precise historical term
- 野蛮人: barbarian; savage — stronger and more offensive than 原始人