Translation guide
Refers to a period in the past, often with a sense of nostalgia. The most natural Japanese expressions depend on whether you're talking about 'the old days' in general, 'ancient times', or a specific 'former era'.
To refer to a past time remembered fondly or as a general 'back then'.
The most common and versatile word for 'old times' or 'the old days'. Can be used for both personal memories and historical past.
Things were better in the old days.
In the old times, there was a forest here.
Means 'once upon a time', used at the beginning of fairy tales or to evoke a distant, story-like past.
Once upon a time, there lived an old man and an old woman.
Literally 'the good old days', often used with a nostalgic tone, similar to the English phrase.
I miss the good old times.
To refer to a period long ago, often in a historical or archaeological context.
Refers to ancient times, antiquity. Used for historical periods like ancient Greece, Rome, or Japan's Nara/Heian periods.
I visited the ruins of ancient Rome.
Means 'a very long time ago', more casual than 古代. Can be used for prehistoric times or just 'ages ago'.
To talk about a specific period in the past that is no longer the case, often with a sense of change.
Also used for 'former times' in a general sense. Context makes it clear.
The old ways don't work anymore.
Refers to 'the old days' of a person or thing's prime, often used for actors, athletes, or machines. Carries a sense of past glory.
A poetic or literary expression meaning 'days gone by' or 'the old times', often used with a sense of loss or nostalgia.
The English phrase 'old times' is often translated as 古い時代 (furui jidai), but this sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use 昔 (mukashi) for general past, or 古代 (kodai) for ancient history.
昔 (mukashi) is the natural, everyday word for 'old times' or 'the past'. 古い時代 (furui jidai) literally means 'old era' but is rarely used; it can sound like a direct translation from English. Stick to 昔 unless you specifically mean a historical period, in which case 古代 (kodai) or a specific era name is better.
In old times, people didn't have smartphones.
Natural, casual way to say 'in old times'.
He often talks about the good old times.
When emphasizing nostalgia.
People in ancient times worshipped stars as gods.
In ancient times, this area was apparently under the sea.
往年の名選手が集まった。
Famous players from the old times gathered.
在りし日の思い出。
Memories of days gone by.