当時
tōji[to̞ːʑi]
The English phrase 'back then' is translated into Japanese as 当時 (tōji).
当時 is used to refer to a specific past time period or era. It functions as a prepositional phrase meaning 'at that time'.
Meaning: at that time (prep_phrase)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
当時 is a formal and objective term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle は (wa) to create 当時は (tōji wa) produces a topicalized form. This is the most natural way to start a sentence with 'Back then…' to set the scene.
How do you pronounce it?
tōji
Did you know?
- The kanji character 当 in 当時 can actually mean 'this' or 'current', which feels counterintuitive when using the word to refer to the past.
- While 当時 is used for historical eras or specific periods, if you want to say 'back then' in a nostalgic, emotional way to reminisce about your childhood, you would more likely use あの頃 (ano koro).
- When reminiscing about a specific moment you and your listener shared, it is more natural to use あの時 rather than the objective 当時.
Examples in context
- 当時は、リッチだったよ。Back then, I was rich.This sentence shows how to use 当時 to describe a past state of being.Tatoeba #11929263 by small_snow, translation #12274708 by CK
- 私は当時、それを知らなかったが、今は知っている。I didn't know it back then, but I know it now.This sentence demonstrates how to use 当時 to contrast knowledge held in the past with knowledge held now.Tatoeba #3401003 by arnab, translation #2942703 by Ylberi
- 当時、日本の経済は困難な状況でした。Back then, the Japanese economy was in a difficult situation.
- 昔、ここは自然に囲まれた美しい村でした。Back then, this place was a beautiful village surrounded by nature.
- その頃の若者たちは音楽に夢中になっていました。Back then, young people were obsessed with music.
- 当時は、携帯電話もありませんでした。Touji wa, keitai denwa mo arimasen deshita.Back then, even mobile phones didn't exist.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about their old school.
- 蓮 Ren当時、僕たちは毎日一緒に勉強したね。Tōji, bokutachi wa mainichi issho ni benkyō shita ne.Back then, we studied together every day, didn't we?
- 陽葵 Himariそうだったね。とても楽しかったよ。Sō datta ne. Totemo tanoshikatta yo.That's true. It was a lot of fun.
- 蓮 Ren今はもう、あの学校はないらしいよ。Ima wa mō, ano gakkō wa nai rashii yo.I heard that school isn't there anymore.
- 陽葵 Himariえっ、本当？びっくりだね。E, hontō? Bikkuri da ne.What, really? That's surprising.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 当時, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
