過去

• Reading: かこ
• Romaji: kako
• Kanji breakdown: 過 (ka/sugi) — pass, exceed; 去 (ko/kyo/sa) — leave, go away
• Pronunciation: /ka.ko/

Meaning

The past; bygone days. The time that has already passed.

A noun (also used adverbially and as a noun modifier) for the past. Common expressions: 過去の経験 (kako no keiken, past experience), 過去最高 (kako saikou, all-time high), 過去形 (kako-kei, past tense in grammar). In Buddhism, one of the three temporal realms. Can carry a heavier emotional nuance than simple 前 (mae, before).

Examples

1. 過去の失敗から多くのことを学んだ。 I learned a lot from past failures.
2. この地域は過去に大きな地震があった。 This area has experienced a major earthquake in the past.
3. 過去最高の売り上げを記録した。 We recorded the highest sales ever.

Usage Guide

Context: reflection, history, data analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 過 (ka, pass/exceed) and 去 (ko, go away/leave). Literally 'passed and gone', describing time that has moved beyond reach.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal