Translation guide
The English word 'after' can express time sequence, pursuit, or imitation. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 〜あと (後), but the natural choice depends on whether it's used as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb, and whether the action is sequential or causal.
Expressing that one action or state occurs later than another.
Used after the te-form of a verb to mean 'after doing X, Y'. Emphasizes that Y happens after X is completed. Very common in spoken and written Japanese.
ご飯を食べてから、出かけます。
I'll go out after eating.
Let's go play after doing homework.
Attaches to the past tense (ta-form) of a verb. Means 'after doing X'. The で is often omitted in casual speech. Slightly more formal than 〜てから.
映画を見たあとで、食事をしました。
We had a meal after watching the movie.
仕事が終わったあと、飲みに行きませんか。
Would you like to go for a drink after work?
Same as 〜たあとで but without で. Common in casual conversation.
シャワーを浴びたあと、すぐ寝た。
I went to sleep right after taking a shower.
Noun meaning 'after' or 'later'. Can be used with time expressions or as a standalone adverb.
また後で会いましょう。
Let's meet again later.
10分後に出発します。
We'll depart in 10 minutes.
Means 'ever since' or 'after that time'. Used for a continuing state from a past event. More literary or formal.
日本に来て以来、ずっとこの町に住んでいます。
I've been living in this town ever since I came to Japan.
Expressing physical or metaphorical pursuit, such as running after someone or seeking something.
Verb meaning 'to chase' or 'to run after'. Used for physically pursuing someone or something.
犬が猫を追いかけている。
The dog is chasing the cat.
彼は夢を追いかけている。
He is chasing his dreams.
Similar to 追いかける but slightly more formal or literary. Can also mean 'to follow' or 'to pursue' in abstract senses.
警察が犯人を追っている。
The police are after the criminal.
Expressing that something is named after someone, or done in the style of someone.
Means 'named after' or 'in honor of'. Used for naming things after people, places, or events.
この通りは桜にちなんで名付けられました。
This street was named after cherry blossoms.
Means 'following the example of' or 'in imitation of', often with a nuance of hoping for similar success or luck.
兄にあやかって、私も医者になりました。
Following my brother's example, I also became a doctor.
Expressing a conclusion or result contrary to expectation, or summarizing a situation.
Adverb meaning 'after all', 'in the end', or 'ultimately'. Often used when the outcome is different from what was expected.
結局、彼は来なかった。
After all, he didn't come.
いろいろ考えたが、結局元の計画に戻った。
We considered many options, but after all we went back to the original plan.
Casual adverb meaning 'after all', 'as I thought', or 'still'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
Both mean 'after doing X', but 〜てから emphasizes the completion of X before Y, and is more common in instructions or sequential actions. 〜たあとで is neutral and can be used in any context. In casual speech, 〜たあと (without で) is also common.
手を洗ってから食べてください。
Please eat after washing your hands.
手を洗ったあとで食べてください。
Please eat after you have washed your hands.
The English loanword アフター (afutaa) is used in compound words like アフターサービス (after-sales service) or アフターケア (aftercare), but it is not used to express time sequence in natural Japanese. Use あと or 〜てから instead.
会議のあとで電話します。
I'll call you after the meeting.
彼が出て行ったあと、彼女は泣き出した。
After he left, she started crying.
昼食のあと、散歩に行きましょう。
Let's go for a walk after lunch.
やっぱり、これが一番いいね。
After all, this is the best, isn't it?