後で

ato de

JLPT N4 #72 of 131 in N4

After ~; later

This pattern expresses that something happens after a certain time or event, or simply 'later'.

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How to form it

Attach 後で to the plain past form of a verb (e.g., 食べた後で) or to a noun with の (e.g., 仕事の後で). For time expressions, use の後で as well (e.g., 5時の後で). 後で can also be used adverbially to mean 'later.'

What it means

後で is used to say that something will happen after a particular time or after another action. It is a common, everyday expression. When attached to a verb, use the past tense (た-form) to say 'after doing something.' For example, ご飯を食べた後で means 'after eating.' When attached to a noun, you say の後で, as in 仕事の後で. 後で also means 'later' when used alone, like 'I'll do it later.'

Example sentences

仕事の後で、映画を見に行きます。

Shigoto no ato de, eiga o mi ni ikimasu.

After work, I will go to see a movie.

ご飯を食べた後で、散歩しましょう。

Gohan o tabeta ato de, sanpo shimashou.

Let's take a walk after eating.

後で電話します。

Ato de denwa shimasu.

I will call you later.

Don’t confuse it with

後で vs 前に (mae ni) meaning 'before'.

後で indicates a following action, 前に indicates a preceding action. For example, 食べた後で = after eating, 食べる前に = before eating.

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When to use it

This pattern is neutral and used in both spoken and written Japanese, suitable for all levels of formality.

Next in the N4 path

73

てやるto do for; to do a favor (casual)

74

いらっしゃるto be; to come; to go (polite version)

75

かもしれないmight; perhaps; indicates possibility

76

ておくto do something in advance

See the whole Grammar Path →

Questions

What does 後で mean?

After ~; later. This pattern expresses that something happens after a certain time or event, or simply 'later'.

How do you form 後で?

Attach 後で to the plain past form of a verb (e.g., 食べた後で) or to a noun with の (e.g., 仕事の後で). For time expressions, use の後で as well (e.g., 5時の後で). 後で can also be used adverbially to mean 'later.'

Example of 後で in a sentence

仕事の後で、映画を見に行きます。 — After work, I will go to see a movie.

後で vs 前に (mae ni) meaning 'before'. — what is the difference?

後で indicates a following action, 前に indicates a preceding action. For example, 食べた後で = after eating, 食べる前に = before eating.

What JLPT level is 後で?

JLPT N4 (upper beginner), number 72 of 131 in Nihoner's learning order for N4.