1.
from a long time ago; for ages; traditionally; since the old days
Indicates that something has been the case continuously from a distant past up to the present. Used to describe long-standing customs, personal traits, relationships, or facts that have not changed for a long time.
昔から友達だ。
We have been friends for a long time.
昔から辛い物が好きだ。
I have liked spicy food since I was young.
この地域は昔から米作りが盛んだ。
Rice farming has been active in this region since ancient times.
日本では昔から家に入るときに靴を脱ぐ習慣がある。
In Japan, there has been a custom of taking off shoes when entering a home since ancient times.
Formed from 昔 (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 (昔からの友人) and cultural traditions (昔からの習わし).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 昔からの友人: an old friend; a friend of many years
- 昔からの習慣: a long-standing custom
- 昔から変わらない: unchanged since the old days
- 昔から言われている: has been said since long ago
- 昔からよくある: has been common since long ago
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 以前から: from before — refers to a more recent, definable past
- ずっと前から: from a long time before — emphasizes extended duration but still more recent than 昔から
- 古くから: from ancient times — more formal/literary, often used for cultural or historical topics