This is the 10091st most frequent Japanese word.
遙
"遙" means "distant" or "far away" in English.
In this sentence, '遙か' (遥か) is used as an adverb meaning 'far away' or 'distant in space or time.' This usage demonstrates its function to describe distance and remoteness in a general context.
彼女は遥か彼方に住んでいる。
She lives far away.
Here, '遙かに' (遥かに) serves as an intensifier meaning 'exceedingly' or 'much.' It modifies the adjective '困難' (difficult), indicating a significant degree of difficulty.
この問題の解答への道は遥かに困難だと感じた。
The way to the solution of this problem felt exceedingly difficult.
In this usage, '遥か昔' (遥か昔) combines '遙か' with '昔' (past) to refer to 'long ago in ancient times.' It emphasizes the historical and distant aspect of the time being mentioned.