Translation guide
Expresses the idea of a life lived before the current one, often in a spiritual or reincarnation context. Japanese typically uses set phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
Referring to a past life in the cycle of rebirth, often in Buddhist or spiritual contexts.
The most common and neutral term for 'previous life' in the sense of reincarnation. Used in both everyday and religious contexts.
Describing a former way of living, career, or identity before a significant transformation, not necessarily reincarnation.
Can be used figuratively to refer to a completely different life one led before a major change, like a career shift or personal reinvention.
前世 (ぜんせ) is the standard term for 'previous life' in the reincarnation sense and can be used figuratively. 過去の人生 (かこのじんせい) is more literal and secular, simply meaning 'the life one lived in the past' without spiritual connotations.
English 'previous life' can sound unnatural if translated word-for-word as 前の人生 (まえのじんせい). Use 前世 or 過去の人生 depending on context.
He says he remembers his previous life.
A more formal or Buddhist term for 'past life', often used in religious or philosophical discussions.
過去世の行いが現世に影響を与えると信じられている。
It is believed that deeds in one's previous life affect the present life.
A less common, somewhat literary term for 'previous existence'. Mainly found in older texts or formal writing.
前生の記憶がよみがえる。
Memories of one's previous life come back.
I'm living a completely different life from my previous life as a company employee.
A more literal and descriptive phrase meaning 'past life' in a non-religious sense. Emphasizes the life one used to live.
彼は過去の人生を振り返り、今の幸せをかみしめている。
He looks back on his previous life and appreciates his current happiness.