Translation guide
How to refer to someone who used to be a member of a group, organization, or team in Japanese.
Referring to someone who was previously a member of a group, club, team, or organization.
The most direct and common way to say 'former member'. '元' (もと) means 'former' or 'ex-'. Works for most groups.
彼は元バンドのメンバーです。
He is a former member of the band.
The former team members got together.
Attach '元' directly to the group name for a concise expression. Common in news and casual speech.
元AKB48のメンバー
a former member of AKB48
元野球部のメンバー
a former member of the baseball club
A slightly more formal or literary way to say 'former member'. 'かつて' means 'once' or 'formerly'.
彼はかつてのメンバーだ。
He is a former member.
Used in some contexts like 'old member', but can imply the group has changed or disbanded. Less common than 元.
旧メンバーとの再会
reunion with former members
Referring to someone who was once part of a family or household but no longer is (e.g., through marriage, death, or estrangement).
Literally 'former family'. Used for ex-family members, such as after divorce or estrangement.
彼は元家族とは連絡を取っていない。
He doesn't keep in touch with his former family.
Specifically 'ex-husband'. Use specific terms for family roles when possible.
元夫が子供を迎えに来た。
My ex-husband came to pick up the kids.
You can attach 元 directly to the name of the group or organization. For example, 元巨人 (もと きょじん) means 'former Yomiuri Giants player'. This is very common in sports and entertainment contexts.