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How to Say "long ago" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “long ago” is “antaño” — use 'antaño' when referring to a general period in the past, often with a sense of 'in days gone by' or 'formerly'. It's best for historical or nostalgic references.

English → Spanish

antaño

adverbB2general
Use 'antaño' when referring to a general period in the past, often with a sense of 'in days gone by' or 'formerly'. It's best for historical or nostalgic references.

Examples

Antaño, las cartas eran el principal medio de comunicación.

Long ago, letters were the main means of communication.

remoto

reh-MOH-tohreˈmoto

adjectiveB1general
Use 'remoto' when describing a past event or memory as being distant or far removed in time, similar to 'distant' or 'remote' in English.
A small figure stands next to the crumbling, ivy-covered stone wall of ancient ruins, conveying distance in time.

Examples

La posibilidad de que eso sucediera en un futuro remoto era mínima.

The possibility of that happening in the remote future was minimal.

Recordó ese evento con una memoria remota.

He recalled that event with a distant memory.

La historia se remonta a un pasado remoto.

The story dates back to a distant past.

Verb 'Remontarse'

The verb 'remontarse a' (to date back to) is often used with 'remoto': 'La tradición se remonta a siglos remotos' (The tradition dates back to remote centuries).

Antaño vs. Remoto: Adverb vs. Adjective

The most common mistake is using 'remoto' as a direct adverbial equivalent for 'long ago' in the same way 'antaño' functions. Remember that 'antaño' is an adverb for general past references, while 'remoto' is an adjective describing distance in time.

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