Translation guide
This entry covers how to express that one event happens after another in time, often in a sequence or as a result. Japanese uses various adverbs, conjunctions, and verb forms to convey 'subsequently', depending on formality, cause-effect relationship, and whether the events are in the past or future.
Indicate that one action or event simply follows another in time, without strong cause-effect.
A common and neutral way to say 'after that' or 'subsequently'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は大学を卒業した。その後、東京で就職した。
He graduated from university. Subsequently, he got a job in Tokyo.
More casual than その後. Often used in conversation to list sequential actions.
まず買い物に行って、それから映画を見た。
First I went shopping, and then I watched a movie.
Formal/literary. Often used in written reports or news to mean 'subsequently' or 'following that'.
会議の後、次いで懇親会が開かれた。
After the meeting, a social gathering was subsequently held.
Show that the second event is a direct result or consequence of the first.
Literally 'as a result'. Clearly marks a cause-effect relationship. Common in both speech and writing.
彼は努力した。その結果、試験に合格した。
He worked hard. Subsequently, he passed the exam.
Formal conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'consequently'. Used in logical arguments or written explanations.
証拠は不十分だった。したがって、彼は無罪となった。
The evidence was insufficient. Subsequently, he was found not guilty.
Literary/formal. Often used in mathematical proofs or philosophical writing. Can sound dramatic in speech.
Emphasize that something happened after a considerable delay or period.
Can also imply 'after a while' when context indicates a gap. Often used with time expressions.
彼は10年ぶりに帰国した。その後、すぐに結婚した。
He returned home after 10 years. Subsequently, he got married right away.
Means 'before long' or 'eventually'. Suggests a natural progression of events over time.
Means 'in the end' or 'eventually'. Often used when the outcome is contrary to expectations or after a long process.
Used in formal writing to indicate the next item in a series or procedure.
Means 'following that' or 'subsequently'. Common in meeting minutes, manuals, or formal narratives.
開会の辞が述べられた。続いて、議長が選出された。
The opening address was given. Subsequently, the chairperson was elected.
Means 'continuing' or 'subsequently'. Implies that the same state or action continues, or that a related action follows immediately.
その後 (そのご) is more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. それから is casual and common in everyday conversation. Both mean 'after that', but それから can also mean 'and then' when listing actions.
その後、彼は姿を消した。
Subsequently, he disappeared.
それから、どうしたの？
And then what happened?
English 'subsequently' is often translated as その後 or その結果, but directly using a single Japanese word in every context can sound unnatural. Choose the option that matches the relationship between events (sequence, cause-effect, or temporal gap).
その会社は過去最高益を発表した。その後、株価は急上昇した。
The company announced record profits. Subsequently, its stock price rose sharply.
彼は電車に乗り遅れ、その結果遅刻した。
He missed the train and subsequently arrived late.
I think, therefore I am.
He started a small shop. Subsequently, it became a large corporation.
色々試したが、結局、最初の案が一番良かった。
We tried various things, but subsequently, the first plan turned out to be the best.
会議は午前中に終了した。引き続き、午後から研修が行われた。
The meeting ended in the morning. Subsequently, a training session was held in the afternoon.