English–Japanese

“long ago” in Japanese

Japanese

Alsoとっくに (tokkuni)

Pronunciation

Romajimukashi

Example

昔、ここに住んでいました。mukashi ko ko ni su n de i ma shi ta

I lived here long ago.

Illustration for 昔 (long ago)

How to say “long ago” in Japanese

“Long ago” in Japanese is 昔 (mukashi).

Places an event in a past period that is separated from the present by time or changing circumstances.

Full entry for 昔: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 昔

昔は毎朝、近所を走っていました。mukashi wa mai asa kin jo o hashi tte i ma shi ta

In the past, I ran around my neighborhood every morning.

Tips for using 昔

  • The phrase 昔々 (mukashi mukashi) appears at the start of many Japanese folk tales, much like "once upon a time."

Other Japanese words for “long ago”

彼はとっくに家を出ました。kare wa to kku ni ie o de ma shi ta

He left home long ago.

“long ago” in other languages