Translation guide
Expresses that something has been the case or has been happening from a distant point in the past up to now. Japanese uses various adverbial phrases and sentence patterns depending on formality, emphasis, and whether the focus is on a continuous state or a historical fact.
昔から猫が好きです。
I've liked cats since long ago.
The speaker wants to say that a situation, custom, or personal habit has existed continuously since a long time ago.
The most common and versatile way to say 'since long ago'. Used for both personal habits and general facts. Casual to neutral.
私は昔から猫が好きです。
I've liked cats since long ago.
This town has been famous for its festival since long ago.
Emphasizes the long duration. Often used for personal feelings or situations that have continued unchanged. Slightly more conversational than 昔から.
ずっと前から君に会いたかった。
I've wanted to see you since long ago.
この店はずっと前からここにある。
This shop has been here since long ago.
Often used for traditions, customs, or things with historical depth. More formal or written than 昔から.
この地域では古くから茶が栽培されている。
Tea has been cultivated in this region since long ago.
Pattern for ongoing states or habits. The ている form indicates the state continues to the present.
彼は昔からギターを弾いている。
He has been playing guitar since long ago.
The speaker refers to something that happened or existed in the distant past, without implying it continues now.
Simply means 'long ago' or 'in the old days'. Does not include 'since', but often used when the English 'since long ago' actually means 'a long time ago'.
昔、ここには大きな森があった。
Long ago, there was a big forest here.
Emphasizes a very distant past, like ancient times or 'once upon a time'.
Used in formal, academic, or literary contexts to describe something that has existed since ancient times.
Formal/literary term for 'since ancient times'. Common in written Japanese.
古来、日本人は自然を崇拝してきた。
Since long ago, Japanese people have worshipped nature.
Even more formal/literary variant of 古来. Often used in set phrases.
古来より伝わる伝統芸能
Traditional performing arts handed down since long ago
Very formal, meaning 'since time immemorial'. Used in epic or mythological contexts.
太古の昔から語り継がれる神話
Myths passed down since long ago
English 'since long ago' implies a continuous state from past to present. Japanese 昔 alone just means 'long ago' (a point in time). To express continuity, use 昔から or ずっと前から.
昔から is more general and can refer to traditions or historical facts. ずっと前から is more personal and emphasizes the speaker's feeling of a long duration. Both are common in conversation.
この寺は昔からここにあります。
This temple has been here since long ago.
大昔、この辺りは海だった。
Since long ago (in ancient times), this area was a sea.