Quick answer
昔 is the kanji for "Long ago". A common reading is むかし (mukashi). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Long ago
Also : Antiquity · Old times
Learn 昔 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 昔 represents 'ONCE UPON A TIME'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of once upon a time.
On-reading: せき — remember this sound by associating it with once upon a time. Kun-reading: むかし.
Example Sentences
昔の写真を見てなつかしくなりました。
むかしのしゃしんをみてなつかしくなりました。
I looked at old photos and felt nostalgic.
昔話を聞かせてください。
むかしばなしをきかせてください。
Please tell me old stories.
Vocabulary using 昔
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Learn 昔 with Spaced Repetition
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