昔(むかし)から

Formed from 昔(むかし) (long ago, the past) + から (from). Describes a state or habit that began in the past and continues to the present.

Usage

• Often combined with a verb in the progressive form or a stative verb/adjective to express continuity.
• The starting point is vague — it could mean childhood, centuries ago, or any indefinite past, depending on context.
• Frequently modifies both personal experiences (昔(むかし)からの友人(ゆうじん)) and cultural traditions (昔(むかし)からの習(なら)わし).

Common collocations

• 昔(むかし)からの友人(ゆうじん): an old friend; a friend of many years
• 昔(むかし)からの習慣(しゅうかん): a long-standing custom
• 昔(むかし)から変(か)わらない: unchanged since the old days
• 昔(むかし)から言(い)われている: has been said since long ago
• 昔(むかし)からよくある: has been common since long ago

Similar words

• 以前(いぜん)から: from before — refers to a more recent, definable past
• ずっと前(まえ)から: from a long time before — emphasizes extended duration but still more recent than 昔(むかし)から
• 古(ふる)くから: from ancient times — more formal/literary, often used for cultural or historical topics