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How to Say ‘But it's an old one.’ in Japanese

でも、古いものですよ。

de mo furui mono desu yo

[deh moh foo-ROO-ee mono dess yoh]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Playing down a compliment like this is the polite Japanese response. Pointing out a flaw shows modesty instead of seeming to accept the praise too eagerly.

Phrase Breakdown

でも、古い

de mo furui

but, old

'Demo' means 'but', and 'furui' means old. The 'fu' is a soft breath through the lips, not a hard English 'f'.

Example

でも、古いですね。

But it's old, isn't it.

Words in this phrase

で

[deh]

but (part of でも)

First part of でも, a conjunction meaning 'but; however' at the start of a sentence.

Example

でも、高いです。

But it's expensive.

も

[moh]

but (part of でも)

Second part of でも; together they mean 'but; however'.

Example

でも、楽しいです。

But it's fun.

古い

furui

[foo-ROO-ee]

old

An i-adjective for things (not people) that are old or used.

Example

古い車です。

It's an old car.

ものですよ。

mono desu yo

thing, you know.

'Mono' means thing, and 'desu yo' gently asserts it. This modestly downplays the compliment.

Example

これは安いものですよ。

This is a cheap thing, you know.

Words in this phrase

もの

mono

[mono]

thing

Refers to an object or entity.

Example

これはつまらないものですが、どうぞ。

This is a small gift, but please accept it.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

よ

[yoh]

you know; emphasis

A sentence-ending particle adding emphasis, assurance, or informing the listener.

Example

大丈夫だよ。

It is okay, you know.

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