放課後
hōkago
The English phrase "after class" is translated into Japanese as 放課後 (hōkago).
放課後 is most commonly used in the context of school students (elementary through high school). It refers specifically to the time of day after school lessons have finished for the day.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 放課後 is composed of three parts: 放 (release/let loose), 課 (lesson/section) and 後 (after).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the form 放課後に as an adverbial phrase to mean "at the time of after class."
How do you pronounce it?
hōkago
Did you know?
- In Japanese schools, the period of 放課後 often includes a dedicated time for 'souji', which is the ritualized cleaning of the classrooms by the students themselves.
- While 放課後 describes the period after school, it is also the term used to describe the setting for many classic 'schoolgirl' tropes in Japanese media, such as secret meetings or confessions behind the gym.
- The first character in 放課後, 放, also carries the nuance of 'setting free' or 'letting loose,' which explains why the word feels more like a liberation from duties than a simple chronological marker.
Examples in context
- 放課後に、ビーチに散歩に行くよ。I'm going to go for a walk on the beach after class.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 放課後 as an adverbial phrase.Tatoeba #10350485 by small_snow, translation #10350475 by DJ_Saidez
- 先生、授業の後で相談があります。Teacher, there's something I want to discuss after class.
- クラスが終わった後にカフェで待ち合わせしましょう！Let's meet up at a café after class is over!
- 授業が終わったあと、遊びに行こうや！After class, let's go have some fun!
- 放課後に、図書館で勉強する。Houkago ni, toshokan de benkyou suru.I will study in the library after class.
- 放課後、カフェで待ち合わせしましょう。Houkago, kafe de machiawase shimashou.Let's meet at a cafe after class.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their plans in the school hallway.
- 大翔 Hiroto放課後、暇かな？Houkago, hima kana?Are you free after class?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、特に予定はないよ。Un, toku ni yotei wa nai yo.Yeah, I don't have any particular plans.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、一緒にアイスを食べに行こう！Jaa, issho ni aisu o tabe ni ikou!Then, let's go eat some ice cream together!
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ、行こう！Ii yo, ikou!Sounds good, let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 放課後, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
