après
/a.pʁɛ/
The English word "after" is translated into French as après.
après is used to describe something that is behind in space, later in time or following someone in a sequence.
Meaning: behind, later in time, following (adv)
Which one should you use?
While après can mean "behind" in a spatial sense, it is more commonly used to describe temporal sequences (later in time) or a sequence of order (following someone in a queue).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the conjunction après que to mean "after [something happens]", the following verb is typically in the indicative mood. While some may mistakenly use the subjunctive, French grammar requires the indicative.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.pʁɛ/ (2 syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the subjunctive mood after après que. You should use the indicative mood instead.
Did you know?
- The word après is derived from the Latin 'ad pressum', which literally means 'pressed against'.
- In French, saying après toi when entering a room is a common way to be polite, meaning 'after you'.
- French has a unique word après-coup, used to describe an analysis or reaction that happens after the event has already occurred.
Examples in context
- Tu es après moi.You're after me.This sentence shows how to use après to indicate position relative to "me".Tatoeba #6712156 by Micsmithel, translation #2218053 by CK
- Il est après moi.He's after me.Tatoeba #1916388 by sacredceltic, translation #1916137 by Spamster
- Je suis après lui.I am after him.This sentence shows how to use après to indicate position relative to "him".Tatoeba #1721612 by sacredceltic, translation #1723624 by belgavox
- Nous nous retrouverons dans la salle de réunion après le déjeuner.We will meet in the conference room after lunch.
- L'examen aura lieu après les vacances d'été.The exam will take place after the summer holidays.
- À la suite de votre demande, nous vous enverrons un devis détaillé.After your request, we will send you a detailed quote.
- La conférence a été annulée à la suite des circonstances imprévues.The conference was canceled after the unforeseen circumstances.
- On se retrouve à la plage, après le travail?Shall we meet at the beach after work?
- Tu viendras me chercher après l'école, c'est ça?You'll pick me up after school, right?
- J'irai au cinéma après que j'aurai terminé mes devoirs.I will go to the movies after I finish my homework.
- 1424 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing their plans for the afternoon.
- ManonTu es libre après le cours ?Are you free after class?
- GabrielOui, je peux te voir après.Yes, I can see you later.
- ManonEst-ce qu'on va au café ?Are we going to the cafe?
- GabrielC'est une bonne idée, Manon.That is a good idea, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “after” translations and entries après, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries après, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
