Translation guide
How to express 'after' in Japanese, covering time sequence, spatial following, and pursuit.
Expressing that one action or event occurs after another.
Used to say 'after doing V, ...'. The verb before から is in て-form. This pattern emphasizes the sequence of actions.
I'll go out after eating.
I'll watch TV after doing my homework.
Used to say 'after doing V'. The verb before あとで is in past (た) form. This is a very common and neutral way to express 'after'.
After watching the movie, we had a meal.
After work is finished, shall we go for a drink?
Similar to あとで, but slightly more formal or written. Can be used interchangeably in many cases.
After the meeting ends, I will write the report immediately.
Used with nouns to mean 'after N'. The noun is followed by のあとで.
After class, I go to the library.
Used to express 'not until after doing V' or 'only after doing V'. Often followed by a negative or conditional.
I can't believe it until I see it with my own eyes.
Expressing that something happens after a specific time or event.
Expressing physical following or sequence in a line.
Expressing the action of going after someone or something.
Both mean 'after doing V', but てから emphasizes the order of actions more strongly. たあとで is more neutral and can be used when the second action is not directly dependent on the first. In many cases they are interchangeable.
Please eat after washing your hands.
Please eat after washing your hands.
後ろ (うしろ) only refers to physical behind. For time, use 後 (あと) or 以降 (いこう).
I will contact you again after next month.
He was standing in line after me.
彼は彼女の後を追って部屋を出た。
He followed her out of the room.