懐かしい

Etymology
Originally derived from verb,  itself an abbreviation of  of the same meaning. The adjective originally described wanting to keep something close, wanting to express fondness for something. Over time, this term was used more to describe reminiscences, leading to the modern meaning.

Adjective

 * 1) nostalgic, reminiscent of good memories, missed, longed for, yearned after
 * 2)  dear, beloved, cherished, sweet

Usage notes
The second meaning of 懐かしい is largely equivalent to a verb in English, even though it functions grammatically as an adjective. In this regard it is quite similar to the adjective. In Japanese, to express a yearning for something, or a slightly nostalgic feeling of missing something, you modify the object that is missed (such as home, one's old neighborhood, one's friend, one's cat) with 懐かしい. In this regard, Japanese is quite unlike English.

Derived terms

 * : an old hit song, an oldie, a golden oldie