Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a former girlfriend depends on context and relationship. The most common and neutral term is 元カノ (motokano), but other expressions exist for formal situations or when emphasizing the past relationship.
To refer to a former girlfriend in everyday conversation.
The most common and natural way to say 'former girlfriend' in casual or neutral contexts. It is a combination of 元 (former) and カノ, short for 彼女 (girlfriend).
昨日、元カノに偶然会った。
I ran into my former girlfriend yesterday.
元カノとは今でも友達です。
I'm still friends with my former girlfriend.
Literally 'previous girlfriend'. Slightly more explicit than 元カノ, but still natural in casual speech.
前の彼女とは別れてから会っていない。
I haven't seen my former girlfriend since we broke up.
Means 'old girlfriend' or 'girlfriend from the past'. Can imply a longer time has passed since the relationship.
昔の彼女のことを思い出した。
I remembered my former girlfriend from long ago.
To refer to a former girlfriend in formal or written contexts.
A formal term meaning 'former romantic partner'. Suitable for official documents or polite speech.
元交際相手についての情報は開示できません。
We cannot disclose information about your former girlfriend.
Means 'previous girlfriend' in a more formal tone than 前の彼女.
以前の彼女とは婚約していました。
I was engaged to my former girlfriend.
To stress that the relationship is over or to refer to an ex in a more emotional context.
A direct combination of 元 (former) and 彼女 (girlfriend). Less common than 元カノ but still used, especially in writing.
元彼女からの手紙を見つけた。
I found a letter from my former girlfriend.
Literally 'girlfriend I broke up with'. Emphasizes the breakup itself.
別れた彼女のことをまだ引きずっている。
I'm still hung up on my former girlfriend.
The direct translation '前のガールフレンド' is not natural Japanese. Use 元カノ or 前の彼女 instead.
If you want a gender-neutral term for 'former partner', use 元恋人 (もとこいびと) or 元パートナー (もとパートナー).