Translation guide
Expresses that something has existed or been practiced since very old times. Japanese uses adverbial phrases, nouns, or set expressions depending on whether you are describing a continuous state, a tradition, or a historical origin.
To say that something has been true, practiced, or known continuously from ancient times until now.
The most common and natural way to say 'from ancient times' for ongoing states or traditions. Literally 'from old times'.
This festival has been held from ancient times.
It's a legend handed down from ancient times.
Very similar to 古くから, but slightly more casual and can refer to a less distant past. Often used in everyday speech.
We have lived on this land from ancient times.
Emphatic, literary expression meaning 'since time immemorial' or 'from ancient antiquity'. Used in formal or poetic contexts.
From ancient times, humans have looked up at the stars.
To state that something began or was created in ancient times, often with a focus on its historical roots.
Specifically refers to 'from ancient times' in a historical sense, often used for civilizations, artifacts, or documented history.
These ruins remain from ancient times.
It's a technique passed down from ancient times.
Means 'from very old times' or 'from ancient times' with a nuance of great antiquity, often used in storytelling or casual history.
A formal, somewhat literary noun or adverb meaning 'from ancient times'. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
To describe something as being 'from ancient times' in an attributive way, like 'an ancient custom'.
Both mean 'from old times', but 古くから feels slightly more formal and emphasizes continuous tradition, while 昔から is more casual and can refer to a broader range of past times, including recent history in some contexts.
Do not translate 'from ancient times' word-for-word as 古代の時から or similar. Use the natural adverbial phrases listed above.
From ancient times, this mountain has been considered a sacred place.
古来より伝わる儀式です。
It is a ritual handed down from ancient times.
Structures from ancient times still remain.