往時|おうじouji[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounthe past; old times; bygone times; days of yore

• Synonym往年おうねんWrittenWritten word for years gone by; it usually modifies people, as in 「往年の名選手」, while 「往時」 centers on the scenes of former days.
• Synonym過去かこNeutralThe most general word for the past; also a past one would rather keep hidden. 「往時」 is written and mostly seen in 「往時をしのぶ」.
• Synonym昔むかしNeutralThe everyday word for the old days. 「往時」 is written and carries a nostalgic tone.
• Synonym既往きおうWrittenWritten word for the past; also covers medical history, as in 「既往症」. 「往時」 evokes the splendor of former days.
• Synonym往昔おうせきWrittenWritten word for the distant past or ancient times; used only rarely.
• Synonym往日おうじつWrittenWritten word for the days that have passed; rarely used.
• Synonym旧時きゅうじWrittenWritten word for a bygone era; rarely used.
• Synonym昔年せきねんWrittenWritten word for former years; rarely used.
• Synonym昔時せきじWrittenWritten word for a period in the past; rarely used.
• Synonym往代おうだいWrittenWritten word for ancient times; very rare — say 「昔」 instead.
• Related来し方きしかたWrittenWritten word for the life one has lived and the path one has walked; often paired as 「来し方行く末」.
• Related過ぎ来し方すぎこしかたWrittenLiterary written word for the years one has come through; 「往時」 instead evokes the scenes of former days.
• Antonym現代げんだいNeutralThe present age or modern times; the opposite of 「往時」.
• Antonym現在げんざいNeutralThe present, now; the opposite of 「往時」.

In everyday speech say 「昔」 or 「過去」. 「往時」 is written prose for recalling the glory of former days, as in 「往時をしのぶ」. Use 「往年の」 before people and 「既往」 in medical contexts; the remaining literary synonyms are rare.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 過ぎ去すぎさった昔むかし。昔日せきじつ。