放課後
hōkago
The phrase after school in Japanese is 放課後 (hōkago).
放課後 refers to the period of time immediately following the end of the school day. It is most commonly used by students to describe the time between the end of classes and the time they go home, often used when discussing school clubs or hanging out with friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 放課後 is composed of three parts: 放 (release/let loose), 課 (lesson/class) and 後 (after/later).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 放課後 as a specific time marker in a sentence, such as saying 'after school, I will do X', you can add the particle に to form 放課後に.
How do you pronounce it?
hōkago
Did you know?
- The concept of 放課後 is so distinct in Japanese culture that anime and manga often treat it as a specific aesthetic, frequently using sunset-lit classrooms as a visual shorthand for adolescent romance or bonding.
- Japanese students often view 放課後 as a second school day because club commitments are so intense that they can be the primary motivation for attending school.
- While English speakers use 'after school' for any activity, Japanese students may use the specific term 部活 (bukatsu) instead, as club activities are the dominant way 放課後 is spent.
Examples in context
- 放課後って空いてる？Are you free after school?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is free using 放課後.Tatoeba #9773667 by small_snow, translation #321007 by CK
- 放課後に野球をしよう。Let's play baseball after school.This sentence is useful for suggesting an activity using 放課後.Tatoeba #82710 by arnab, translation #321006 by CK
- 放課後、テニスするの？Will you play tennis after school?This sentence is useful for asking about plans using 放課後.Tatoeba #11385421 by small_snow, translation #320995 by CK
- 放課後に図書館で勉強します。I study at the library after school.
- 今日は下校後に先生と話をする予定です。I have plans to talk with my teacher after school today.
- 放課後、カフェで友達と遊びます。After school, I hang out with friends at a café.
- 学校が終わった後、公園でサッカーをします。After school is over, we play soccer at the park.
- 放課後、塾に行きます。After school, I go to cram school.
- 学校終わりの時間を自由に使っています。I use my free time after school as I like.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the classroom near the end of the day.
- 美咲 Misaki放課後、どこか行く？houkago, dokoka iku?Are you going somewhere after school?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、図書館に行く予定だよ。un, toshokan ni iku yotei dayo.Yeah, I plan to go to the library.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、私も一緒に行っていい？jaa, watashi mo issho ni itte ii?Then, can I go with you?
- 陽太 Yotaもちろん、いいよ！mochiron, ii yo!Of course, you can!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
