Translation guide
Expresses that something happened or existed in the distant past. The most common and neutral way is 昔 (むかし). Other options add nuance about time depth, storytelling tone, or formality.
To say that something happened or was the case a long time ago, without specifying exactly when.
The most common and neutral word for 'long ago'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. Often used with the past tense.
昔、ここには森があった。
Long ago, there was a forest here.
昔はよく川で泳いだものだ。
Long ago, I used to swim in the river often.
Emphasizes a very distant past, like ancient times or prehistoric eras. Stronger than 昔.
大昔、恐竜が地球を支配していた。
Long, long ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth.
Literally 'far long ago', emphasizing a great distance in time. Common in conversation.
ずっと昔に引っ越してきた。
I moved here a long, long time ago.
Literary or poetic expression meaning 'distant past'. Often used in written narratives.
遠い昔の思い出
memories of the distant past
To begin a story or fairy tale in a traditional narrative style.
The standard opening for fairy tales and folk stories, equivalent to 'once upon a time'.
昔々、あるところにおじいさんとおばあさんがいました。
Once upon a time, there lived an old man and an old woman.
To express that a significant amount of time has passed since an event, often with a sense of nostalgia or change.
Means 'it's already a thing of the past' or 'that was long ago'. Implies the event feels distant now.
あの事件はもう昔のことだ。
That incident is already long ago.
Emphasizes that it was quite a long time ago, often with surprise at how much time has passed.
彼に最後に会ったのはずいぶん昔だ。
It's been quite a long time since I last saw him.
When describing a past state or habitual action, 昔 is often paired with ～たものだ or ～ていた to add a nostalgic or explanatory tone.
昔はよくここで遊んでいた。
Long ago, I used to play here often.
English 'long ago' refers to a point in the distant past, not a duration. For 'for a long time', use 長い間 (ながいあいだ) or 長時間 (ちょうじかん).
長い間待っていた。
I waited for a long time.