Translation guide
Expresses that something happens after some time has passed. Japanese uses several time adverbs and phrases, with nuances of formality, duration, and context.
Indicate that an event occurs following a period of time, without specifying exactly how long.
Neutral and common. Used in both spoken and written Japanese. Implies a relatively short, indefinite period.
しばらくして、雨がやんだ。
After a while, the rain stopped.
しばらくしてから、彼は戻ってきた。
After a while, he came back.
Emphasize that a considerable amount of time has passed.
Indicates a significant amount of time has passed. Casual to neutral.
だいぶたってから、返事が来た。
After quite a while, a reply came.
Similar to だいぶたって, but can sound more emphatic or subjective.
Indicate that only a brief period has passed.
Common and neutral. Implies a short time.
少しして、電話が鳴った。
After a little while, the phone rang.
Both mean 'after a while', but しばらくすると is often used for habitual or natural consequences, while しばらくして is more neutral and simply sequential.
しばらくすると、いつも眠くなる。
After a while, I always get sleepy.
しばらくして、彼は立ち去った。
After a while, he left.
Avoid directly translating 'after a while' as あとでしばらく or similar. Use the set phrases above.
Similar to しばらくして, but often used when describing a natural consequence or habitual occurrence.
しばらくすると、痛みが消えた。
After a while, the pain disappeared.
Emphasizes the passage of time. Often used in narratives.
しばらくたって、彼女は口を開いた。
After a while, she spoke.
Literary or formal. Means 'before long' or 'eventually'. Often used in written Japanese.
やがて夜が明けた。
After a while, dawn broke.
ずいぶんたって、彼はようやく現れた。
After a long while, he finally showed up.
Formal or written. Means 'shortly' or 'before long'. Often used in announcements.
まもなく電車が参ります。
The train will arrive shortly.