après cela
The English phrase "after that" can be translated into French as après cela.
après cela is a phrase used to describe something that happens following a specific event or period of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition après (after) and the demonstrative pronoun cela (that/it).
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter après quoi, which functions as a relative pronoun meaning "after which" when connecting two clauses.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the preposition après cannot be followed directly by a conjugated verb. It must be followed by a noun, a pronoun or an infinitive (specifically in the case of après + infinitive passé).
Did you know?
- The word après is a linguistic survivor from a Late Latin term meaning 'to the pressing' or 'to the pressure'.
- In French, the word après is used in the idiom après coup, which refers to realizing something only after it has already happened, similar to 'hindsight'.
- While après cela is grammatically correct, in spoken French you will almost always hear people say après ça instead. The word cela can sound quite formal or even stiff in a casual conversation.
Examples in context
- Qu'a-t-il fait après cela ?What did he do after that?This sentence is useful for asking about an action taken with après cela.Tatoeba #1988328 by sacredceltic, translation #1987951 by FlamingTofu
- Après cela, il alla chez lui.After that, he went home.This sentence is useful for describing a sequence of events using après cela.Tatoeba #1330376 by sacredceltic, translation #48096 by CK
- Je ne l'ai pas revu après cela.I didn't see him again after that.This sentence is useful for stating that someone was not seen again following an event using après cela.Tatoeba #1257214 by sacredceltic, translation #1256754 by CK
- J'ai étudié toute la journée. Ensuite, je suis allé me coucher.I studied all day. After that, I went to bed.
- Nous avons discuté des projets en cours. Puis, nous avons pris une décision.We discussed the ongoing projects. After that, we made a decision.
- Elle a fini son travail. Après cela, elle est rentrée chez elle.She finished her work. After that, she went home.
- Je suis allé au cinéma avec mes amis. Ensuite, nous avons mangé une pizza.I went to the movies with my friends. After that, we ate pizza.
- J'ai fait mes devoirs. Après ça, je suis sorti avec mes amis.I did my homework. After that, I went out with my friends.
- J'ai lu ce livre. Puis, j'ai commencé à regarder une série.I read this book. After that, I started watching a series.
- J'ai fini de travailler. Ensuite, je vais au supermarché faire des courses.I finished work. After that, I'm going to the supermarket to do some shopping.
- On a regardé un film. Après ça, on a mangé une glace.We watched a movie. After that, we ate ice cream.
- Le professeur a expliqué la leçon. Puis, il nous a donné des exercices à faire.The teacher explained the lesson. After that, he gave us some exercises to do.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their plans for the afternoon.
- ChloéOn va au cinéma, et après cela, on dîne ?We'll go to the cinema, and after that, shall we have dinner?
- HugoC'est une excellente idée, Chloé.That is an excellent idea, Chloé.
- ChloéJe vais réserver la table après cela.I will reserve the table after that.
- HugoParfait, je m'occupe des billets.Perfect, I'll take care of the tickets.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries après, cela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
