Translation guide
The English word 'afterwards' refers to a time after an event or point in time. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on formality, context, and whether the event is in the past or future. Common translations include その後, あとで, and それから, but natural usage often involves choosing the right phrase for the situation.
To say that something happens after a previously mentioned event, in a neutral or slightly formal context.
A common and versatile phrase meaning 'after that' or 'subsequently'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese. Often appears at the beginning of a sentence.
The meeting ended. Afterwards, we all went out to eat.
Very common in casual conversation. Means 'later' or 'afterwards'. Often used when the event is in the near future or when giving a loose time frame.
I'll call you afterwards.
Means 'and then' or 'after that'. Used to connect sequential actions. More common in spoken Japanese.
I did my homework, and afterwards I played games.
Formal or literary expression meaning 'later' or 'afterwards'. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
He afterwards became a famous writer.
To indicate that something occurred after a particular point in the past.
Attach to the te-form of a verb to mean 'after doing ~'. Emphasizes that the second action happens after the first is completed.
After eating, I went for a walk. / I ate and afterwards went for a walk.
Attach to the past tense (ta-form) of a verb. Means 'after doing ~'. Slightly more neutral than 〜てから.
After watching the movie, we went to a cafe. / We watched a movie and afterwards went to a cafe.
To say that something will happen after a future event.
Conditional form often used to mean 'after/when ~' for future events. Natural in casual and polite speech.
After work, let's go for a drink. / When work is done, let's go out afterwards.
Also used for future sequences, similar to past usage.
I'll do my homework and afterwards go out to play.
To continue a story or list events in chronological order.
Means 'and' or 'and then'. Used to connect sentences in a narrative. Implies a natural sequence.
He graduated from university. And afterwards, he immediately got a job.
Similar to そして, but slightly more conversational. Often used in spoken narratives.
To emphasize that something happened soon after.
あとで is casual and common in everyday speech. のちに is formal and often used in writing or official contexts. Using のちに in casual conversation may sound stiff.
I'll contact you later.
Details will be announced later.
English often uses 'afterwards' as a sentence adverb, but Japanese prefers to connect events with conjunctions or temporal clauses. Directly translating 'afterwards' as その後 in every case can sound unnatural. Instead, use patterns like 〜てから or 〜たあとで when linking actions.
We went to the park. Afterwards, we had ice cream.
I'll finish this report and call you afterwards.
朝ごはんを食べて、それから学校に行った。
I ate breakfast, and afterwards I went to school.
まもなく電車が参ります。
The train will arrive shortly. (afterwards implied by context)