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.
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.
Same as 〜たあとで but without で. Common in casual conversation.
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.
Means 'ever since' or 'after that time'. Used for a continuing state from a past event. More literary or formal.
Expressing physical or metaphorical pursuit, such as running after someone or seeking something.
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.
Expressing a conclusion or result contrary to expectation, or summarizing a situation.
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.
Please eat after washing your hands.
I'll call you after the meeting.
We had a meal after watching the movie.
Would you like to go for a drink after work?
Let's meet again later.
We'll depart in 10 minutes.
I've been living in this town ever since I came to Japan.
Verb meaning 'to chase' or 'to run after'. Used for physically pursuing someone or something.
The dog is chasing the cat.
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.
The police are after the criminal.
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.
Following my brother's example, I also became a doctor.
Adverb meaning 'after all', 'in the end', or 'ultimately'. Often used when the outcome is different from what was expected.
After all, he didn't come.
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.
After all, this is the best, isn't it?
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.
After he left, she started crying.
Let's go for a walk after lunch.