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.
To begin a story or fairy tale in a traditional narrative style.
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.
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.
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).
Long ago, there was a forest here.
Long ago, I used to swim in the river often.
Emphasizes a very distant past, like ancient times or prehistoric eras. Stronger than 昔.
Long, long ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth.
Literally 'far long ago', emphasizing a great distance in time. Common in conversation.
I moved here a long, long time ago.
Literary or poetic expression meaning 'distant past'. Often used in written narratives.
memories of the distant past
The standard opening for fairy tales and folk stories, equivalent to 'once upon a time'.
Once upon a time, there lived an old man and an old woman.
That incident is already long ago.
Emphasizes that it was quite a long time ago, often with surprise at how much time has passed.
It's been quite a long time since I last saw him.
I waited for a long time.