Translation guide
Expressions for past times, former days, or the old days in Japanese, ranging from nostalgic to literary.
To refer fondly to a past time, often with a sense of nostalgia.
The most common and versatile word for 'old days' or 'long ago'. Can be used in casual and formal contexts.
Literally 'the good old days', often used nostalgically. Slightly more formal or literary than 昔.
古き良き時代を懐かしむ。
I miss the good old days.
Means 'those days' or 'back then', referring to a specific past period known to the speaker and listener.
あの頃は毎日が楽しかった。
Back then, every day was fun.
To refer to a time long ago, often historical or legendary.
Literally 'distant past', used for times long ago, often in stories or historical contexts.
遠い昔、この地には城があった。
In bygone days, there was a castle on this land.
A poetic or literary term for ancient times, often used in classical contexts.
いにしえの人々の知恵。
The wisdom of people from bygone days.
To talk about one's own past or a previous era in a neutral way.
A general term for 'the past'. Can be used for personal or historical past.
過去のことは忘れよう。
Let's forget about bygone days.
Means 'before' or 'previously', often used to contrast with the present.
To refer to a specific past era, often with a sense of closure.
Literally 'days that have passed', a poetic way to say 'bygone days'.
過ぎ去った日々を思い出す。
I recall the bygone days.
A formal, literary term for 'former times' or 'the past'.
往時をしのぶ。
To remember bygone days.
昔 (むかし) is more conversational and often carries a nostalgic tone, while 過去 (かこ) is neutral and can be used in formal or psychological contexts (e.g., 'past trauma'). 昔 is typically for a more distant, vague past, while 過去 can refer to any past time, including recent events.
Direct translations like '過ぎ去った日々' are poetic and not used in everyday speech. In most casual conversations, simply use 昔 or あの頃.
昔は馬で旅をした。
In bygone days, people traveled by horse.
彼女はよく昔の話をする。
She often talks about bygone days.
In bygone days, there was a shop here.