“Once upon a time” in Japanese
Short answer
Once upon a time in Japanese is “昔々” (mukashimukashi). Full meaning: long ago, once upon a time.
Other ways to say “Once upon a time” in Japanese
今は昔
imahamukashi once upon a time, a long time ago
昔昔
mukashimukashi long ago, once upon a time
昔むかし
mukashimukashi long ago, once upon a time
むかすむかす
mukasumukasu long ago, once upon a time
むかしむかし
mukashimukashi long ago, once upon a time
その上
sonoue in addition, furthermore; above (which), on top of (which); a long time ago, in those days, once upon a time
Looking for the other direction? Search any Japanese word in the Nihoner lexicon, or practise what you have learned in the learning games.