Translation guide
In Japanese, 'the other day' is expressed with words like 先日, この間, or こないだ, depending on formality and context. The choice depends on how recent the event was and the level of politeness required.
Referring to a recent day, typically within the past week or so, in a neutral or polite context.
The most standard and polite way to say 'the other day'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese, especially in formal situations.
Referring to an unspecified day in the past, possibly weeks or months ago, without specifying exactly when.
先日 is polite and suitable for business or formal writing. この間 is neutral and used in daily conversation. こないだ is very casual and should be avoided in formal settings.
The literal translation '他の日' means 'another day' (a different day), not 'the other day'. Using it to mean 'the other day' will cause confusion.
先日はありがとうございました。
Thank you for the other day.
先日お会いした時に、その話をしました。
We talked about it when we met the other day.
A common, slightly more casual alternative to 先日. Used in everyday conversation.
この間、新しいカフェに行ったよ。
I went to a new café the other day.
A contraction of この間, very casual and common in spoken Japanese among friends.
こないだの映画、面白かったね。
That movie we saw the other day was interesting, wasn't it?
Can also be used for events further in the past, though it still implies relative recency. Context determines the timeframe.
先日、偶然彼に会いました。
I ran into him the other day (a while ago).
Literally 'before this', used for a past occasion that may be further back than 先日. Common in casual speech.
この前、君が言ってた本、買ったよ。
I bought the book you were talking about the other day.