Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'after this' in Japanese, covering temporal sequence, future reference, and discourse transitions.
この後、家に帰ります。
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.
この後、会議があります。
After this, there is a meeting.
この後、何をしますか。
What will you do after this?
Means 'after that' or 'subsequently'. Used when referring to a previously mentioned event.
会議が終わりました。その後、食事に行きました。
The meeting ended. After that, we went to eat.
Casual 'and then' or 'after that', often used in spoken narratives.
映画を見て、それから買い物をした。
We watched a movie, and after that we went shopping.
Pattern meaning 'after doing V'. Connects two actions in sequence.
宿題をしてから、ゲームをします。
After doing homework, I'll play games.
Pattern meaning 'after having done V'. Similar to V-te kara but slightly more formal.
仕事が終わった後で、飲みに行きませんか。
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.
これから気をつけます。
I'll be careful from now on.
これからどうする？
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.
これ以降の変更はできません。
No changes can be made after this.
Transition to the next topic or step in a conversation or presentation.
Means 'next' or 'after this', used to introduce the following point.
次に、売上について報告します。
Next, I will report on sales.
Means 'following that' or 'subsequently', often used in formal presentations.
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.
この後、電話します。
I'll call you after this (soon).
彼は会社を辞めた。その後、消息がわからない。
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.
この後、休憩します。
After this, we'll take a break.
この後、どうなりますか。
What happens after this?
I look forward to working with you from now on.
After this, Mr. Yamada will explain.