元
[mo̞to̞]
In Japanese, the prefix for 'ex' is 元.
The prefix 元 is used to describe a person who no longer holds a certain position or relationship.
How does it change in a sentence?
The prefix 元 is often combined with katakana words like カレ (boyfriend) or カノ (girlfriend) to form common informal terms for ex-partners. When used with professional titles or positions, 元 functions as a prefix meaning 'former'.
Did you know?
- The character 元 is also used in the word 元旦 to refer to New Year's Day. In this context, it emphasizes the 'beginning' or 'origin' of the year rather than something that has passed.
- In Japanese culture, referring to a partner as 元カレ or 元カノ is common, but referring to an ex-spouse as 元妻 or 元夫 often carries a heavier, more formal social weight.
- The character 元 was adopted from Middle Chinese, where it originally carried the meaning of 'origin' or 'first'.
Examples in context
- 元妻は３人いるよ。I have three ex-wives.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 元 when referring to multiple ex-wives.Tatoeba #8831758 by small_snow, translation #6033360 by CK
- 元カレに裏切られた。My ex cheated on me.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 元 when discussing a former partner.Tatoeba #11557513 by small_snow, translation #7352566 by Hybrid
- 私、トムの元妻の一人だよ。I'm one of Tom's ex-wives.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 元 when identifying oneself as an ex-wife.Tatoeba #8831759 by small_snow, translation #8398853 by CK
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a former boss at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki元上司から連絡が来たよ。Moto joushi kara renraku ga kita yo.I got a message from my ex-boss.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、どうしたの？E, doushita no?What? What happened?
- 美咲 Misaki仕事の相談らしいよ。Shigoto no soudan rashii yo.It seems like he wants to consult me about work.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは大変そうだね。Sore wa taihen sou da ne.That sounds like it will be difficult.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 元, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 元, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
