以后
yǐhòu
The English word 'after' can be translated into Chinese as 以后 (yǐhòu).
以后 is used to mean behind, later in time or following. It can also function as a noun phrase meaning 'the future' or 'later on'.
Meaning: behind, later in time, following (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 以后 is composed of 以 (using/by means of) and 后 (behind/after).
Which one should you use?
Use 后面 to refer to physical location (behind something) and 以后 to refer to time (after something). While 以后 can mean 'after [event]', it can also stand alone to mean 'in the future' or 'from now on'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to mean 'after a certain time or event', 以后 is placed after the time or event it refers to.
How do you pronounce it?
yǐhòu
Did you know?
- There is a common cultural phrase 以后再说, which literally means 'speak of it after'. It is often used as a polite way to procrastinate or avoid giving a definitive 'no' to a request.
- The character 后 in 以后 is the same character used to mean 'queen' or 'empress' in historical contexts, such as in 皇后.
- When referring to the 'afterlife', Chinese doesn't just use 以后, but often refers to the 阴间 or 'Yin world', focusing on the nature of the place rather than the sequence of time.
Examples in context
- 汤姆60岁以后不想工作。Tom doesn't want to work after he is 60.This example shows how to use 以后 regarding an age.Tatoeba #9956718 by GlossaMatik, translation #10189253 by pan176
- 我明天要死了，所以后天没空。I'm going to die tomorrow, and so I won't be free the day after.Tatoeba #772155 by GlossaMatik, translation #774773 by FeuDRenais2
- 希望你们以后严格遵守交通规则。Hopefully you'll comply with traffic regulations after this.This example uses 以后 to express a hope for future compliance.Tatoeba #737176 by GlossaMatik, translation #737177 by eastasiastudent
- 我们将在会议之后进一步讨论这个问题。We will further discuss this issue after the meeting.
- 我去超市买了些食物，后来又遇到了一个老朋友。I went to the supermarket to buy some food. Later, I ran into an old friend.
- 我要先去开会，会议过后我们再见。I need to attend a meeting first, we'll meet again after the meeting.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their future plans at a cafe.
- 浩然 Haoran你以后打算做什么工作？Nǐ yǐhòu dǎsuàn zuò shénme gōngzuò?What kind of work do you plan to do in the future?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想去一家公司工作。Wǒ xiǎng qù yījiā gōngsī gōngzuò.I want to work at a company.
- 浩然 Haoran那很好，加油吧！Nà hěn hǎo, jiāyóu ba!That's great, good luck!
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你的鼓励。Xièxiè nǐ de gǔlì.Thank you for your encouragement.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “after” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
