Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'previously' in Japanese, focusing on natural ways to refer to past events, former states, or earlier points in time. It is organized by the intended meaning in English, with the most common and useful expressions first.
To say that something happened or was the case at some point before the present moment, without specifying exactly when.
A common and versatile word meaning 'before' or 'previously'. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
以前、東京に住んでいました。
I previously lived in Tokyo.
以前はもっと静かな町でした。
It was a quieter town previously.
Means 'once' or 'formerly', often used for something that was true in the past but is no longer the case. Slightly more literary or formal than 以前.
かつてはここに大きな森がありました。
There was once a large forest here.
Means 'in advance' or 'beforehand'. It is used when an action is done prior to a specific event, not for general past reference.
Not a direct equivalent of 'previously' for general past events; only use when 'in advance' is meant.
前もって連絡してください。
Please contact me in advance.
To refer to something mentioned earlier in a conversation, document, or list.
Means 'as previously mentioned' or 'as stated above'. Common in formal writing and presentations.
前述の通り、会議は延期されました。
As previously mentioned, the meeting has been postponed.
Means 'a short while ago' or 'earlier'. Used in polite speech to refer to something that just happened or was just said.
先ほどお送りしたメールをご確認ください。
Please check the email I sent earlier.
Means 'already' or 'previously'. It emphasizes that something has been done or has occurred before the current point.
To describe a past condition, job, or status that is no longer true.
A prefix meaning 'former' or 'ex-'. Attach to nouns like 元大統領 (former president).
彼は元教師です。
He is a former teacher.
A prefix meaning 'old' or 'former', used for things like names, systems, or buildings. More formal than 元.
A pattern meaning 'previously was ~'. Use with nouns or na-adjectives.
以前は医者でした。
I was previously a doctor.
以前 is the most common and neutral way to say 'previously'. かつて implies a stronger sense of 'once upon a time' or 'formerly', and is often used when the situation has completely changed. かつて is more literary.
以前はよく映画を見ました。
I used to watch movies often before.
かつてはここに城がありました。
There was once a castle here.
前もって means 'in advance' and is only used for actions done prior to a specific event. It cannot replace 以前 or かつて for general past reference.
That problem has already been resolved.
I changed from my previous address to a new one.