Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a former boyfriend depends on context, relationship, and formality. The most common and neutral term is 元彼 (motokare). Other expressions exist for specific situations, such as formal contexts or when emphasizing a past relationship.
The speaker wants to refer to a past boyfriend in a neutral, everyday context.
The standard, casual-to-neutral term for 'former boyfriend'. Widely used in conversation and informal writing.
元彼にばったり会った。
I ran into my ex-boyfriend.
元彼のことをまだ忘れられない。
I still can't forget my ex-boyfriend.
Literally 'previous boyfriend'. Slightly more descriptive and can be used in both casual and semi-formal settings.
前の彼氏とは3年付き合ってた。
I dated my previous boyfriend for three years.
Means 'boyfriend from a long time ago'. Implies a more distant past, often used when the relationship was years ago.
昔の彼氏から突然連絡が来た。
I suddenly got a message from an old boyfriend.
The speaker needs a more formal or literary expression, such as in a novel, essay, or polite conversation.
A formal, somewhat literary term for 'former boyfriend'. Rare in everyday speech, but may appear in writing.
彼女は旧彼との思い出を日記に綴った。
She wrote about memories with her former boyfriend in her diary.
The speaker wants to stress that the boyfriend is from the past, often in contrast to a current partner.
Similar to 元彼, but uses the full word 彼氏 and the particle の, making it slightly more explicit. Can be used when clarifying 'ex' vs. 'current'.
今の彼氏と元の彼氏、どっちがタイプ？
Which is more your type, your current boyfriend or your ex?
A longer, descriptive phrase meaning 'the boyfriend I used to go out with'. Used for clarity or in formal explanations.
以前付き合っていた彼氏が結婚したらしい。
I heard that the boyfriend I used to date got married.
The English phrase 'former boyfriend' directly translated as 前者の彼氏 (zensha no kareshi) is unnatural. Stick to 元彼 or 前の彼氏.
The terms above are used by anyone regardless of gender. For a former girlfriend, use 元彼女 (motokanojo) or 前の彼女 (mae no kanojo).