Former; ex-; indicating a previous status or role (e.g., 'former president', 'ex-employee').
彼は元社長だが、今はコンサルタントとして働いている。
He is a former company president, but now works as a consultant.
元彼とはもう連絡を取っていない。
I no longer keep in touch with my ex-boyfriend.
この建物は元病院で、今はオフィスビルになっている。
This building used to be a hospital; it is now an office building.
The past; an earlier state or former condition (as in 'the original state' or 'as before').
工事の後、道を元の状態に戻してください。
After the construction, please restore the road to its original state.
町は震災前の元の姿を取り戻しつつある。
The town is gradually regaining its pre-earthquake appearance.
元の場所に物を戻しておいてください。
Please put the item back in its original place.
Formerly; previously; originally — adverbial use indicating a prior state (e.g., 'he was formerly a doctor').
元は農家だったので、野菜の育て方に詳しい。
He used to be a farmer, so he knows a lot about growing vegetables.
この仕事は元はボランティアで始まった。
This work originally started as a volunteer effort.
彼女は元は教師だったが、今は作家だ。
She was formerly a teacher, but now she is a writer.