Translation guide
A formal linking adverb meaning 'after that time/event'. In Japanese, it is expressed with time nouns like その後, それ以降, or conjunctive phrases. The choice depends on formality and whether the reference point is a specific past event or a general rule.
Referring to a time after a previously mentioned event, often in narratives or reports.
Most common and neutral way to say 'after that' or 'thereafter'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は大学を卒業した。その後、東京で就職した。
He graduated from university. Thereafter, he found a job in Tokyo.
More casual than その後; often used in conversation. Can also mean 'and then' in a sequence.
まず買い物をして、それから映画を見た。
First we went shopping, and thereafter we watched a movie.
Emphasizes the immediate aftermath; 'right after that'. Slightly more colloquial.
会議が終わった。その後で、みんなで食事に行った。
The meeting ended. Thereafter, we all went out to eat.
Indicating a continuing state or repeated action starting after a specific event, often in legal, academic, or formal contexts.
Means 'after that and from then on'. Implies a lasting change or ongoing situation. Common in formal writing.
新制度は来月から施行される。それ以降、申請方法が変わる。
The new system will be implemented next month. Thereafter, the application process will change.
Similar to それ以降 but often used for personal experiences; 'ever since then'.
あの事故に遭って、それ以来、車に乗るのが怖い。
I had that accident, and thereafter I've been afraid to drive.
Emphasizes continuity: 'ever after that, all the time since then'.
彼女は一度失敗して、その後ずっと自信を失っている。
She failed once, and thereafter she has lacked confidence ever since.
Used in historical accounts, literature, or very formal reports to mean 'after that time'.
Literary/formal reading of その後. Often used in historical or solemn contexts.
王は崩御した。その後、王子が即位した。
The king passed away. Thereafter, the prince ascended the throne.
Archaic or highly formal; 'after that' in a temporal sense. Rare in modern speech.
それより後、二度と彼に会うことはなかった。
Thereafter, I never saw him again.
その後 (そのご) is the most standard and neutral. それから is more conversational and often implies a sequence of actions. その後で (そのあとで) emphasizes immediacy. In formal writing, その後 (そのご) or それ以降 are preferred.
English 'thereafter' is a single word, but Japanese requires a phrase. Do not try to translate it as one word. Also, do not use その後 (そのご) for future events from now; use これから or 今後 instead.
その会社は1990年に設立された。その後まもなく、海外に進出した。
The company was founded in 1990. Shortly thereafter, it expanded overseas.
彼女は家を出て、その後二度と戻らなかった。
She left home and never returned thereafter.