過去 — meaning in English: past

kako · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for past

紛争

funsō

過去

kako

仮定

katei

狙い

nerai

ボート

bōto

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 過去 (kako) in various contexts, such as discussing personal experiences or historical events. For example, someone might say, '私の過去には多くの思い出があります' (I have many memories in my past) when sharing stories with friends or during a reflective conversation.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 過去 is 昔 (mukashi), which specifically refers to 'a long time ago' or 'ancient times.' While 過去 encompasses any past time, 昔 tends to evoke a sense of nostalgia and is often used when recounting tales from childhood or historical legends.

Culture

The term 過去 has deep roots in Japanese literature, often appearing in works that explore themes of memory and nostalgia. It reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on valuing past experiences, highlighting how they shape personal identity and societal norms.

FAQ

Q.What does 過去 mean in English?

The word 過去 (kako) translates to 'past' in English, referring to any time that has already occurred.

Q.How do I use 過去 in a sentence?

You can use 過去 in sentences like '彼は過去の失敗を乗り越えた' (He overcame his past failures) to express experiences that have shaped someone.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 過去?

A common mistake is confusing 過去 with 未来 (mirai), which means 'future.' Ensure you use 過去 when referring to things that have already happened.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000