Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'after this' in Japanese, covering temporal sequence, future reference, and discourse transitions.
After this, I'll go home.
Indicate that one action or event occurs following another in time.
A common, neutral way to say 'after this' referring to the immediate future or next step.
After this, there is a meeting.
What will you do after this?
Means 'after that' or 'subsequently'. Used when referring to a previously mentioned event.
The meeting ended. After that, we went to eat.
Casual 'and then' or 'after that', often used in spoken narratives.
We watched a movie, and after that we went shopping.
Pattern meaning 'after doing V'. Connects two actions in sequence.
After doing homework, I'll play games.
Pattern meaning 'after having done V'. Similar to V-te kara but slightly more formal.
After work is finished, shall we go for a drink?
Refer to a period starting from the present moment and continuing forward.
Means 'from now on' or 'after this point in time'. Used for future plans or changes.
I'll be careful from now on.
What should we do now?
Formal term for 'from now on' or 'in the future', often used in business or official contexts.
Literally 'after this', often used in formal writing or instructions.
No changes can be made after this.
Transition to the next topic or step in a conversation or presentation.
Use この後 (kono ato) when referring to the immediate future from the present moment. Use その後 (sono go) when referring to a time after a previously mentioned event, not necessarily the present.
I'll call you after this (soon).
He quit the company. After that, we lost contact.
English 'after this' can often be omitted in Japanese when context makes the sequence clear. Overusing この後 or その後 can sound unnatural or overly explicit.
After this, we'll take a break.
What happens after this?
I look forward to working with you from now on.
After this, Mr. Yamada will explain.