Translation guide
This entry covers how to express that one event happens after another in time, often in a sequence or as a result. Japanese uses various adverbs, conjunctions, and verb forms to convey 'subsequently', depending on formality, cause-effect relationship, and whether the events are in the past or future.
Indicate that one action or event simply follows another in time, without strong cause-effect.
He graduated from university. Subsequently, he got a job in Tokyo.
More casual than その後. Often used in conversation to list sequential actions.
First I went shopping, and then I watched a movie.
Formal/literary. Often used in written reports or news to mean 'subsequently' or 'following that'.
After the meeting, a social gathering was subsequently held.
Show that the second event is a direct result or consequence of the first.
Literally 'as a result'. Clearly marks a cause-effect relationship. Common in both speech and writing.
He worked hard. Subsequently, he passed the exam.
Formal conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'consequently'. Used in logical arguments or written explanations.
Literary/formal. Often used in mathematical proofs or philosophical writing. Can sound dramatic in speech.
Emphasize that something happened after a considerable delay or period.
Can also imply 'after a while' when context indicates a gap. Often used with time expressions.
He returned home after 10 years. Subsequently, he got married right away.
Means 'before long' or 'eventually'. Suggests a natural progression of events over time.
Means 'in the end' or 'eventually'. Often used when the outcome is contrary to expectations or after a long process.
Used in formal writing to indicate the next item in a series or procedure.
Means 'following that' or 'subsequently'. Common in meeting minutes, manuals, or formal narratives.
The opening address was given. Subsequently, the chairperson was elected.
Means 'continuing' or 'subsequently'. Implies that the same state or action continues, or that a related action follows immediately.
その後 (そのご) is more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. それから is casual and common in everyday conversation. Both mean 'after that', but それから can also mean 'and then' when listing actions.
Subsequently, he disappeared.
And then what happened?
English 'subsequently' is often translated as その後 or その結果, but directly using a single Japanese word in every context can sound unnatural. Choose the option that matches the relationship between events (sequence, cause-effect, or temporal gap).
The company announced record profits. Subsequently, its stock price rose sharply.
He missed the train and subsequently arrived late.
The evidence was insufficient. Subsequently, he was found not guilty.
我思う、ゆえに我あり。
I think, therefore I am.
彼は小さな店を始めた。やがて、それは大企業になった。
He started a small shop. Subsequently, it became a large corporation.
We tried various things, but subsequently, the first plan turned out to be the best.
The meeting ended in the morning. Subsequently, a training session was held in the afternoon.