元カノ
motokano[mo̞to̞ka̠no̞]
The English phrase ex-girlfriend is translated into Japanese as 元カノ (motokano).
元カノ is used to refer to a woman with whom someone previously had a romantic relationship.
Which one should you use?
元カノ is a specific term for an ex-girlfriend. For a more formal or neutral way to say 'former partner' or 'ex-lover', use 元恋人.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
元カノ is an informal, colloquial term used primarily in casual conversation. For formal situations, use 元恋人.
How do you pronounce it?
motokano
Did you know?
- Because カノ is written in Katakana here, it signals to the reader that the word is being used as a casual, trendy, or slang term rather than a formal part of the vocabulary.
- In Japanese, you can add 元 to almost any role or title to create an 'ex' version. For example, 元カレ means 'ex-boyfriend' and 元妻 means 'ex-wife'.
- The word カノ in 元カノ is a clipped version of 彼女, a practice called 'ryakugo'. This shortening is so common that using the full word 元彼女 can sometimes sound overly stiff or dramatic in casual speech.
Examples in context
- 元カノから連絡が来た。Motokano kara renraku ga kita.I got a message from my ex-girlfriend.
- 元カノのことをまだ考えているの？Motokano no koto o mada kangaete iru no?Are you still thinking about your ex-girlfriend?
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting at a cafe about dating.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太、元カノと復縁するつもり？Youta, motokano to fukuen suru tsumori?Youta, do you intend to get back together with your ex-girlfriend?
- 陽太 Yotaいや、もう元カノのことは忘れたよ。Iya, mou motokano no koto wa wasureta yo.No, I've already forgotten about my ex-girlfriend.
- 美咲 Misakiそっか。潔くていいと思う。Sokka. Isagiyoku te ii to omou.I see. I think that's very decisive of you.
- 陽太 Yota新しい出会いを探したいんだ。Atarashii deai o sagashitai n da.I want to find a new relationship.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 元カノ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
