이후
ihu[ˈi(ː)βu]
The English phrase 'since' can be expressed in Korean as 이후 (ihu).
이후 is typically used with specific time nouns or events to indicate a starting point in time.
Meaning: from (time) (prep)
Which one should you use?
While 이후 means 'since' or 'after', its direct antonym is 이전, which means 'before'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To emphasize the starting point of a continuous state or action from a certain time forward, you can add the particle '로' to the word to form 이후로, which means 'since' or 'from then on'. Additionally, in informal conversations among friends, the expression -(으)니까 can be used to convey the meaning of 'since' when providing a reason.
How do you pronounce it?
ihu
Did you know?
- While 이후 means 'after' or 'since', the character 後 also represents the 'back' of a person's body or the rear of a building in other contexts.
- The character 以 in 이후 originally depicted a handle or a tool, evolving to mean 'as' or 'by means of' in a legal or formal sense.
- Adding 로 to 이후 transforms the word from a general time marker into a directional marker, conceptually treating time as a path you move along.
Examples in context
- 그들은 정부의 지원금을 받기 시작한 지 5년째입니다.They have been receiving government funding since five years ago.
- 나는 어릴 때부터 축구를 좋아해서, 지금까지도 계속해서 하고 있어.Since I was young, I liked soccer, so I have been playing it until now.
- 그 사건 이후로 변했어요.geu sageon ihu-ro byeonhaesseoyo.It has changed since that incident.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are talking about their old school friend.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민수랑 계속 연락해요?Minsurang gyesok yeonrakhaeyo?Are you still in touch with Minsu?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 작년 이후로 연락 안 해요.aniyo, jagnyeon ihu-ro yeonrak an haeyo.No, I haven't contacted him since last year.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 무슨 일이 있었어요?jeongmallyo? museun iri isseosseoyo?Really? What happened?
- 지은 Ji-eun그냥 서로 너무 바빴어요.geunyang seoro neomu bappasseoyo.We were both just too busy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 이후, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 이후, CC BY-SA 4.0.
