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.
朝ごはんを食べて、それから学校に行った。
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.
彼は立ち上がり、そして部屋を出た。
He stood up, and then left the room.
Literally 'after that'. Used to clearly mark the next event in a sequence.
映画を見た。そのあと、レストランに行った。
We watched a movie. Then we went to a restaurant.
Means 'next' and is used when listing steps or actions in order.
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.
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.
そのとき、彼はまだ学生だった。
At that time, he was still a student.
そのときは私に知らせてください。
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.
Refers to a specific past moment that both speaker and listener know about. 'That time' or 'back then'.
あのときは本当にありがとう。
Thank you so much for then (that time).
Introducing a conclusion or result based on a condition.
Commonly used in conversation to mean 'if that's the case, then...'. Often shortened to なら in casual speech.
A: 明日は雨だよ。 B: それなら、傘を持っていく。
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.
じゃあ、また明日。
Well then, see you tomorrow.
The more formal version of じゃあ. Used in polite conversation or writing.
では、始めましょう。
Then, let's begin.
Similar to それなら, but slightly more emphatic. Often used when the condition is already stated or obvious.
Used to resume a topic, introduce a summary, or fill a pause.
A polite and common way to say 'well then' when starting something or moving on. Often used in presentations or formal settings.
それでは、次の議題に移ります。
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.
じゃあ、そういうことで。
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.
で、どうしたの？
So, what happened?
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.
雨が降ったら、試合は中止です。
If it rains, then the game will be cancelled.
Another conditional form, often used for general truths or hypothetical situations. 'If A, then B'.
春になれば、花が咲く。
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'.
彼が来るなら、私は行かない。
If he's coming, then I won't go.
Referring to a past period, often nostalgically.
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.
勉強すれば、合格できる。
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.
買い物をして、それから映画を見た。
I went shopping, and then watched a movie.
彼は努力した。そして成功した。
He worked hard. And then he succeeded.
宿題を終えた。そのあと、ゲームをした。
I finished my homework. After that, I played games.
He was living in Tokyo then (at that time).
A: I'm hungry. B: Then let's go eat something.
I was still a child then.