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.
The old days were good.
Let's talk about the old days.
Literally 'the good old days', often used nostalgically. Slightly more formal or literary than 昔.
I miss the good old days.
Means 'those days' or 'back then', referring to a specific past period known to the speaker and listener.
Back then, every day was fun.
To refer to a time long ago, often historical or legendary.
To talk about one's own past or a previous era in a neutral way.
To refer to a specific past era, often with a sense of closure.
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.
In bygone days, people traveled by horse.
She often talks about bygone days.
いにしえの人々の知恵。
The wisdom of people from bygone days.
In bygone days, there was a shop here.
To remember bygone days.