Meaning and Usage
The kanji 旧 (きゅう) means "old," "former," or "ex-" and is used to refer to something from the past, such as a previous position, name, or building. It often appears in compound words like 旧友 (old friend), 旧姓 (former surname), and 旧市役所 (former city hall).
Common Contexts
You will see 旧 used when talking about things that have changed or been replaced, emphasizing their previous state. It is common in formal or written Japanese, especially in official documents or historical contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 旧友 (きゅうゆう): old friend, emphasizing a long-standing relationship.
- 旧姓 (きゅうせい): former surname, often used in legal or official contexts.
- 旧市役所 (きゅうしやくしょ): former city hall, referring to a building no longer in official use.
Usage Tips
When using 旧, you are highlighting that something is no longer current but still relevant or remembered. Avoid confusing 旧 with 古い (ふるい), which simply means "old" in a physical or age sense without the nuance of "former." 旧 implies a change or replacement has occurred.
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This kanji is more formal and often appears in written language or formal speech rather than casual conversation.