後で
ato de[a̠to̞ de̞]
The Japanese word for later is 後で (ato de).
後で is an adverb used to mean 'later' or 'in a bit'. It is commonly used in casual conversation to imply that an action will be performed at an unspecified time in the near future.
Meaning: afterward in time (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 後で means 'later' in a general sense, it is often used to mean 'at a later time' rather than 'after a specific event', which might use 後に.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual writing or digital messaging, the word is frequently written in hiragana as あとで instead of using the kanji 後で.
How do you pronounce it?
ato de
When do people say it?
In formal contexts, you might encounter the phrase 後でよろしくお伝えください, which is used to say 'Please pass on my regards later.'
Did you know?
- In Japanese business culture, saying 後で in response to a request can be interpreted as a polite way of saying 'no' or 'not now'.
- The word 後 (ato) is also used to describe a 'trace' or 'mark' left behind, such as a footprint or a scar.
- The kanji 後 can be read as ato when referring to time, but it is read as go in words like 後悔 (koukai) meaning 'regret'.
Examples in context
- 後で頼むよ。I'll order it later.This sentence shows how to use 後で when ordering something.Tatoeba #12662546 by small_snow, translation #10032745 by ddnktr
- 後で決めます。I'll decide later.This sentence demonstrates using 後で regarding a decision.Tatoeba #5185677 by aoi0913, translation #5243818 by CK
- 後で考えとく。I'll think about it later.This sentence illustrates using 後で in the context of thinking about something.Tatoeba #11831474 by small_snow, translation #10727208 by ddnktr
- 後で会いましょうLet's meet later.
- 後ほどお返事いたしますI will reply later.
- また後でね！See you later!
- じゃあまたね！Well, see you later!
- 122 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about doing homework.
- 健太 Kenta今、忙しいから後でやるよ。Ima, isogashii kara ato de yaru yo.I'm busy now, so I'll do it later.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に後でやるの？Hontō ni ato de yaru no?Are you really going to do it later?
- 健太 Kentaうん、後で絶対やるから。Un, ato de zettai yaru kara.Yeah, I'll definitely do it later.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。信じてるよ。Wakatta. Shinjiteru yo.I get it. I believe you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “later” translations and entries 後で, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
