後で
After, Later
Structure
Noun + の + あとで
後で + Phrase
Verb + のは + あとで
Explanation
The Japanese phrase あとで is created by joining the noun 後 (after) with the particle で (at). This combination functions as an adverb meaning 'after' or 'later'. The particle で is used here to specify the point in time, so あとで literally signals that an action will happen 'at' the time 'after' something else has concluded.
To form a sentence with あとで, it can follow a verb in its past tense form, a noun connected by の, or a nominalized verb phrase that uses のは.
- 宿題するのはテレビを見た後でいいよ。You can do your homework after you watch TV. (With the time after watching TV)
- 会議の後で、買い物に行きましょう。Let's go shopping after the meeting. (With the time after the meeting)
- メールを書くのは後でいいから、まずこの資料を読んで。You can write the email later, so for now, please read this document. (With the time after reading the document)
Fun Fact
The reason 後 can mean both 'after' and 'behind' is due to a spatial conceptualization of time. In Japanese, a sequence of events is often imagined like people in a queue. The event at the front of the line is what happens first, and any events that come 'behind' it will happen 'after'.
- 後で電話しますね。I'll call you later, okay?
Examples
あとで電話します。
I will call you later.
映画を見たあとで、晩ご飯を食べましょう。
Let's have dinner after watching the movie.
宿題はあとでする。
I'll do my homework later.
会議のあとで、銀行に行きます。
I will go to the bank after the meeting.
ケーキを食べたあとで、歯を磨いたほうがいいですよ。
You should brush your teeth after you eat cake.
あとで文句を言わないでください。
Please don't complain later.
授業のあとで、コーヒーを飲みませんか。
Would you like to get coffee after class?
書類はあとでメールで送ります。
I will send the documents by email later.
それは面倒だから、あとでにしよう。
That's a pain, so let's do it later.
お風呂に入ったあとで、体が温かくなります。
Your body will get warm after you take a bath.
まずはまっすぐ行って、あとで右に曲がってください。
First, go straight, and later, please turn right.
財布を忘れたことに、あとで気がついた。
I realized later that I had forgotten my wallet.