Translation guide
The English word 'afterwards' refers to a time after an event or point in time. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on formality, context, and whether the event is in the past or future. Common translations include その後, あとで, and それから, but natural usage often involves choosing the right phrase for the situation.
To say that something happens after a previously mentioned event, in a neutral or slightly formal context.
A common and versatile phrase meaning 'after that' or 'subsequently'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese. Often appears at the beginning of a sentence.
会議が終わった。その後、みんなで食事に行った。
The meeting ended. Afterwards, we all went out to eat.
Very common in casual conversation. Means 'later' or 'afterwards'. Often used when the event is in the near future or when giving a loose time frame.
あとで電話するね。
I'll call you afterwards.
Means 'and then' or 'after that'. Used to connect sequential actions. More common in spoken Japanese.
宿題をして、それからゲームをした。
I did my homework, and afterwards I played games.
Formal or literary expression meaning 'later' or 'afterwards'. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
彼はのちに有名な作家となった。
He afterwards became a famous writer.
To indicate that something occurred after a particular point in the past.
Attach to the te-form of a verb to mean 'after doing ~'. Emphasizes that the second action happens after the first is completed.
ご飯を食べてから、散歩した。
After eating, I went for a walk. / I ate and afterwards went for a walk.
Attach to the past tense (ta-form) of a verb. Means 'after doing ~'. Slightly more neutral than 〜てから.
映画を見たあとで、カフェに行った。
After watching the movie, we went to a cafe. / We watched a movie and afterwards went to a cafe.
To say that something will happen after a future event.
Conditional form often used to mean 'after/when ~' for future events. Natural in casual and polite speech.
仕事が終わったら、飲みに行こう。
After work, let's go for a drink. / When work is done, let's go out afterwards.
Also used for future sequences, similar to past usage.
宿題をしてから、遊びに行く。
I'll do my homework and afterwards go out to play.
To continue a story or list events in chronological order.
Means 'and' or 'and then'. Used to connect sentences in a narrative. Implies a natural sequence.
彼は大学を卒業した。そして、すぐに就職した。
He graduated from university. And afterwards, he immediately got a job.
Similar to そして, but slightly more conversational. Often used in spoken narratives.
To emphasize that something happened soon after.
Means 'immediately' or 'right away'. Can be combined with other time phrases.
彼は帰って、すぐに寝た。
He came home and went to bed immediately afterwards.
Formal equivalent of 'soon' or 'shortly'. Common in announcements and written language.
あとで is casual and common in everyday speech. のちに is formal and often used in writing or official contexts. Using のちに in casual conversation may sound stiff.
あとで連絡します。
I'll contact you later.
詳細はのちにお知らせします。
Details will be announced later.
English often uses 'afterwards' as a sentence adverb, but Japanese prefers to connect events with conjunctions or temporal clauses. Directly translating 'afterwards' as その後 in every case can sound unnatural. Instead, use patterns like 〜てから or 〜たあとで when linking actions.
公園に行って、その後アイスクリームを食べた。
We went to the park. Afterwards, we had ice cream.
このレポートを終わらせてから、電話します。
I'll finish this report and call you afterwards.
朝ごはんを食べて、それから学校に行った。
I ate breakfast, and afterwards I went to school.
まもなく電車が参ります。
The train will arrive shortly. (afterwards implied by context)