What it means
かつて means “once,” “formerly,” or “in the past.” It refers to a state, event, or period that existed earlier but is no longer current, and it often creates a reflective, historical, or formal tone. It commonly modifies a following clause and is especially frequent in written language, speeches, historical descriptions, and formal discussions.
Usage note
かつて is more formal and literary than 昔, and it usually refers to a relatively distant or significant past. Do not confuse it with 一度, which generally means “once” as a single occurrence or one time.
How to use it
かつてこの町には大きな劇場がありました。
Once, this town had a large theater.
かつてこの町には大きな劇場があった。
Once, this town had a large theater.
Example sentences
かつてこの港町を支えた造船所は、今では地域の産業遺産として保存されている。
The shipyard that once supported this port town is now preserved as a regional industrial heritage site.
かつて国際線が発着していた空港は、現在は広大な公園に生まれ変わっている。
The airport where international flights once arrived and departed has now been transformed into a vast park.