How to Say “Después” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to express the concept of “después” in Spanish is an essential step towards fluency. Whether you want to communicate informally or in a formal setting, it’s vital to understand the various ways this word can be used. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “después” in both formal and informal contexts, providing you with useful tips and examples along the way.

Formal Ways to Say “Después”

When it comes to formal communication, it’s crucial to use appropriate language and expressions. Here are some phrases you can utilize to convey the meaning of “después” in a more formal manner:

1. Más tarde: This formal expression translates directly to “later” or “afterward.” It’s commonly used in formal writing or professional contexts. For example, “Hablaremos más tarde” (We’ll talk later).
2. A continuación: This phrase is commonly used in formal speeches or presentations and means “following this” or “next.” For instance, “A continuación, analizaremos los resultados” (Next, we will analyze the results).
3. Seguidamente: Similar to “a continuación,” this term is often used in formal contexts to introduce the next step. For example, “Seguidamente, procederemos a firmar el acuerdo” (Next, we will proceed to sign the agreement).
4. Posteriormente: This word can be used interchangeably with “después” in formal settings, signifying “afterward” or “subsequently.” For instance, “Posteriormente, se realizará una evaluación” (Afterward, an evaluation will take place).

Informal Ways to Say “Después”

In casual conversations, among friends or family members, you can employ less formal expressions to convey the idea of “después.” Here are some common ways to say it informally:

1. Luego: This term is widely used in informal settings and is equivalent to “then” or “later.” For example, “Saldré a caminar, y luego iré al supermercado” (I will go for a walk, and then I’ll go to the supermarket).
2. Más tarde: Although “más tarde” can also be used formally, it’s commonly heard in everyday conversations among friends. For instance, “Nos encontramos en la playa, ¿vale? Más tarde vemos qué hacemos” (We meet at the beach, alright? We’ll figure out what to do later).
3. Despuésito: This diminutive form of “después” adds a touch of informality and is often used affectionately or playfully. For example, “Espérame aquí un ratito, voy rápidamente al banco y despuésito vamos al cine” (Wait for me here for a bit, I’ll quickly go to the bank, and then we’ll go to the movies).
4. Después de: When it comes to informal speech, it’s common to omit the preposition “de” after “después,” resulting in a more laid-back expression. For example, “Voy a recoger a Juan después la escuela” (I will pick up Juan after school).

Tips for Using “Después” Effectively

To use “después” proficiently, consider the following tips:

• Pay attention to context: The appropriate usage of “después” depends on the context and the level of formality required.
• Vary your vocabulary: While “después” is a versatile word, expanding your vocabulary will provide additional nuanced ways to express the concept of “afterward.”
• Practice through immersive learning: Engage in conversations with native speakers and expose yourself to Spanish-speaking cultures to improve your understanding and usage of “después” in different contexts.
• Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers use “después” in various situations, and try to incorporate those expressions into your own speech.

Examples of “Después” in Context

To better illustrate the usage of “después” in both formal and informal situations, here are some examples:

Informal: Me voy a la tienda y después paso por tu casa.
(I’m going to the store and then I’ll swing by your house.)

Formal: Después de la conferencia, habrá un cóctel de bienvenida.
(After the conference, there will be a welcome cocktail.)

Informal: Vamos al cine y luego cenamos en ese nuevo restaurante.
(We’ll go to the movies and then have dinner at that new restaurant.)

Formal: A continuación, presentaremos los resultados del estudio.
(Next, we will present the study’s results.)