Translation guide
The English word "hereafter" is primarily used in formal or legal contexts to mean "from this point forward" or "in the rest of this document." It can also refer to life after death. This guide covers both meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To indicate that something will happen or be done starting from this moment, often in formal writing, contracts, or official statements.
The most common and neutral way to say 'from now on' or 'hereafter' in formal contexts. Suitable for business, official documents, and announcements.
今後はこのようなことがないように注意します。
Hereafter, I will be careful to avoid such things.
今後の予定については追ってお知らせします。
We will inform you of the schedule hereafter.
Often used in formal writing to mean 'after this' or 'from this point on.' Common in legal documents, contracts, and official notices.
本契約書において、以後「甲」と称する。
In this contract, hereafter referred to as 'Party A'.
以後、このような行為は固く禁じます。
Hereafter, such actions are strictly prohibited.
Literally 'from this,' used in formal announcements or ceremonies to mean 'from now on' or 'hereafter.' Often heard in event proceedings.
これより、第1回会議を開催いたします。
Hereafter, we will commence the first meeting.
Means 'on and after' or 'from ... onward.' Used in formal contexts to indicate a starting point in time, similar to 'hereafter' when referring to a specified point.
2024年4月以降のスケジュールをお知らせください。
Please inform us of the schedule for April 2024 and hereafter.
Used in contracts, laws, or formal writing to refer to something that will be called a certain name for the remainder of the text.
The standard legal phrasing meaning 'hereinafter referred to as...' This is the most direct equivalent for 'hereafter' in document references.
以下「本契約」という。
Hereafter referred to as 'this Agreement'.
Another formal pattern used in contracts, meaning 'hereafter called...' Slightly more literary than 以下.
以後「乙」と称する。
Hereafter referred to as 'Party B'.
Referring to existence after death, often in religious or philosophical contexts.
The most common term for 'the afterlife' or 'the next world.' Used in both religious and general contexts.
彼は来世を信じている。
He believes in the hereafter.
Literally 'the world after death.' A more descriptive phrase for the afterlife.
死後の世界についての本を読んだ。
I read a book about the hereafter.
A Buddhist term for the next life or future existence. Less common in everyday speech.
後世のために善行を積む。
To accumulate good deeds for the hereafter.
In everyday conversation, English speakers rarely use 'hereafter.' Similarly, directly translating it into Japanese can sound overly formal or unnatural. Use 今後 or これから for 'from now on' in casual settings.
これから気をつけるよ。
I'll be careful from now on.
今後 (こんご) is the most general and neutral for 'from now on.' 以後 (いご) is more formal and often used in written rules or contracts. 以降 (いこう) specifies a starting point and means 'on and after' that point. For 'hereafter' in the sense of 'from this moment,' 今後 is usually the best choice.