Translation guide
The English prefix "ex-" indicates former status, roles, or relationships. In Japanese, this is expressed using words like 元 (もと), 前 (まえ), or 旧 (きゅう), depending on the context and formality.
To refer to someone who previously held a role or had a relationship, such as an ex-spouse, ex-boss, or former member.
Attach 元 (もと) directly before a noun to mean 'former' or 'ex-'. This is the most common and versatile way to express 'ex-' for people and roles. It is neutral in tone and widely used in both spoken and written Japanese.
元彼女に偶然会った。
I ran into my ex-girlfriend by chance.
彼は元プロ野球選手だ。
He is a former professional baseball player.
Use 前 (まえ) before a title or official position to mean 'former' or 'ex-'. It is more formal than 元 and is often used for official roles like president, prime minister, or manager. It can also be used for 'previous' in a sequence.
前社長は退任しました。
The former president (of the company) has stepped down.
前の住所を教えてください。
Please tell me your previous address.
旧 (きゅう) is a formal prefix meaning 'former' or 'old', often used in official names of organizations, countries, or systems that have changed. It is less common for personal relationships.
Specifically for ex-husband, ex-wife, or ex-partner in a romantic relationship.
Means 'ex-husband'. Use 元 (もと) + 夫 (おっと) for a former husband. This is the standard term.
元夫とは今でも友達です。
I'm still friends with my ex-husband.
Means 'ex-wife'. Use 元 (もと) + 妻 (つま). Note that 妻 is the humble form for one's own wife; for someone else's ex-wife, you might use 元奥さん (もとおくさん).
For someone else's ex-wife, use 元奥さん (もとおくさん) to be polite.
Literally 'husband I separated from'. A more descriptive and slightly softer way to refer to an ex-husband, often used in conversation.
別れた夫が再婚した。
My ex-husband got remarried.
To refer to a former object, model, or version, such as an ex-car, previous phone, or old address.
Use 前の (まえの) before a noun to mean 'previous' or 'former' for objects, versions, or non-personal items. This is the most natural way to say 'my old car' or 'my previous phone'.
前の携帯をなくした。
I lost my old phone.
前のバージョンに戻したい。
I want to go back to the previous version.
Means 'original' or 'former', often implying a return to a previous state. It can be used for objects but is more common for abstract states like 'original condition'.
元の状態に戻してください。
Please restore it to its original condition.
元 (もと) is the most general and common for 'ex-' or 'former', used for people, roles, and sometimes things. 前 (まえ) is more formal and often used for official titles or sequential previous items. 旧 (きゅう) is formal and used for former names of countries, organizations, or systems. For personal relationships, stick with 元.
English 'ex-' cannot be directly translated as a standalone prefix in Japanese. Always use 元, 前, or 旧 attached to the noun, or use a descriptive phrase like 別れた (separated) for relationships.
元上司はとても厳しかった。
My ex-boss was very strict.
彼女は前CEOです。
She is the former CEO of the company.
元妻が子供を引き取った。
My ex-wife took custody of the children.