Translation guide
The English word 'then' has several distinct functions: indicating a sequence of events ('next'), a point in time ('at that time'), a logical consequence ('in that case'), and more. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each use.
Expressing that one action or event follows another in time.
The most common and neutral way to say 'and then' or 'after that' in a sequence of events.
I ate breakfast, and then went to school.
Similar to 'and then', but often used to connect clauses more tightly. Slightly more formal or written than それから.
Literally 'after that'. Used to clearly mark the next event in a sequence.
Means 'next' and is used when listing steps or actions in order.
Referring to a specific point in time in the past or future.
The most direct translation for 'at that time'. Used for both past and future contexts.
Introducing a conclusion or result based on a condition.
Used to resume a topic, introduce a summary, or fill a pause.
Expressing a conditional relationship, often with 'if'.
The most common conditional form. 'If A happens, then B'. The 'then' is implied and not usually translated separately.
Referring to a past period, often nostalgically.
Means 'in those days' or 'back then', often with a nostalgic feeling.
In many conditional sentences (if... then), the 'then' is not explicitly translated. Japanese conditionals like 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜なら already imply the consequence. Adding それから or そして would be unnatural.
If you study, then you can pass.
All three can mean 'and then', but それから is the most common in casual speech for listing sequential actions. そして is slightly more formal and often connects clauses within a sentence. そのあと explicitly means 'after that' and is used when the sequence is important.
He stood up, and then left the room.
We watched a movie. Then we went to a restaurant.
まず材料を切ります。次に、フライパンで炒めます。
First, cut the ingredients. Then, stir-fry them in a pan.
At that time, he was still a student.
Please let me know then (when that time comes).
Means 'at that time' or 'in those days', referring to a past period. Often used in historical or narrative contexts.
He was living in Tokyo then (at that time).
Refers to a specific past moment that both speaker and listener know about. 'That time' or 'back then'.
Thank you so much for then (that time).
Commonly used in conversation to mean 'if that's the case, then...'. Often shortened to なら in casual speech.
A: It will rain tomorrow. B: Then I'll take an umbrella.
Very common casual contraction of では, used to mean 'well then' or 'in that case'. Often used when making a decision or moving on.
Well then, see you tomorrow.
The more formal version of じゃあ. Used in polite conversation or writing.
Then, let's begin.
Similar to それなら, but slightly more emphatic. Often used when the condition is already stated or obvious.
A: I'm hungry. B: Then let's go eat something.
A polite and common way to say 'well then' when starting something or moving on. Often used in presentations or formal settings.
Then, let's move on to the next topic.
Casual version of それでは. Used as a filler or to wrap up a conversation.
Well then, that's that.
A very casual, short filler meaning 'so' or 'and then'. Often used to prompt a response or continue a story.
So, what happened?
If it rains, then the game will be cancelled.
Another conditional form, often used for general truths or hypothetical situations. 'If A, then B'.
If spring comes, then flowers bloom.
Used when the condition is based on the speaker's assumption or given information. 'If it's the case that A, then B'.
If he's coming, then I won't go.
Things were good back then.
Refers to 'around that time' in the past, more neutral than あの頃.
I was still a child then.
I went shopping, and then watched a movie.
He worked hard. And then he succeeded.
I finished my homework. After that, I played games.