Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| その後 | sonogo | [so̞no̞ɡo̞] (narrow) [so̞no̞a̠to̞] (narrow) |
| それから | sorekara | [so̞ɾe̞ ka̠ɾa̠] (narrow) |
| 後で | atode | [a̠to̞ de̞] (narrow) |
その後 means 'afterwards' or 'after that' and is used to describe a sequence of events where one event follows another in a narrative or timeline. 後で is the most common way to say 'later' when making plans or promises to do something at a non-specific time in the future. それから means 'and then' and can be used to convey the idea of 'afterwards' in informal conversations.
Which one should you use?
その後 is used to describe a sequence of events where one event follows another in a timeline. In contrast, 後で is typically used to refer to a point in the near future relative to the present moment, often meaning 'later on today'. Finally, それから is used as a conjunction to list a sequence of actions, similar to saying 'and then' in a series of steps.
How do you pronounce it?
sonogo
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word 後出し 'atodashi' for the act of providing an answer or a move 'afterwards', often used to describe someone cheating in a game of Rock Paper Scissors.
- The word 後 can be read as ato or go. While ato is used for the sequence of events in 後で, the reading go is used in その後 to sound more formal or narrative.
- The phrase 後で is frequently used as a polite way to deflect a request. Saying 'I will do it 後で' can sometimes be a social signal that the task is not a priority.
Examples in context
- 後で話そうね。We'll talk afterwards.This sentence is useful for suggesting a future conversation using 後で.Tatoeba #8608115 by small_snow, translation #3441965 by AlanF_US
- その後どうなるの？What happens afterwards?This sentence is useful for asking about the subsequent outcome of a situation using その後.Tatoeba #11561704 by small_snow, translation #10172838 by sundown
- また後で、連絡します。I will contact you afterwards.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to contact someone at a later time using 後で.Tatoeba #8428841 by small_snow, translation #10206795 by terrywallwork
- 授業が終わった後、その後で友達とカフェに行きました。After class ended, I went to a café with my friend afterwards.
- ショッピングした後、そのあと友達とランチに行きました。After shopping, I went to have lunch with my friend afterwards.
- 昨日来て、それからまだ何もしていない。I came here yesterday, and I haven't done anything since then.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing their plans for a movie date.
- 陽葵 Himari映画を観に行く？Eiga o mi ni iku?Do you want to go see a movie?
- 健太 Kentaいいいね。その後、ご飯を食べよう。Ii ne. Sono go, gohan o tabeyou.Sounds good. Afterwards, let's eat dinner.
- 陽葵 Himariどこで食べる？Doko de taberu?Where shall we eat?
- 健太 Kentaイタリアンのお店がいいな。Itarian no omise ga ii na.I'd like an Italian restaurant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “afterwards” translations and entries その後, それから, 後で, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
