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.
I ran into my ex-girlfriend by chance.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
I lost my old phone.
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'.
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.
My ex-boss was very strict.
She is the former CEO of the company.
前社長は退任しました。
The former president (of the company) has stepped down.
Please tell me your previous address.
the former Soviet Union
maiden name (former surname)
元妻が子供を引き取った。
My ex-wife took custody of the children.