Oldness and antiquity with 古
The kanji 古 has the straightforward meaning of something old or from long ago.
Etymology
In its later written form, this kanji is shown as 十 over 口. Traditional explanations connect it with something passed down through many mouths across many generations, making it ancient and longstanding.
Classical Texts
古文 (Classical Japanese)
古文 means classical Japanese writing or literature, especially works from the Edo period or earlier. In school, it also names the study of such texts.
It combines 古 (old) with 文 (writing) to show old writing or a classical text.
Following the a midterm exam, Yomi asks Tomo how it went.
- とも:
- 「古文はなんのために勉強するの？」
- “What's the point of studying classical Japanese?”
Practice and Learning
稽古 (Practice)
稽古 means practice or training, especially in martial arts, performing arts, and other traditional disciplines. It can also mean a lesson or training session in one of those arts.
It combines 稽 (examine) with 古 (old) to show practice rooted in studying established ways.
Hired to confirm whether a client’s wife is having an affair, Kogoro reveals a candid photo he took of the wife with another man. The client mentions he let his staff take a break so they wouldn’t know about Kogoro’s visit. Kogoro asks if that includes the client’s wife.
- 伝次郎:
- 「いや… 稲子は琴の稽古があるといって昼前に勝手に出かけたよ」
- “No... Ineko said she had a koto lesson and went out on her own before noon.”
