Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "After" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "after", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
それから
それから (sorekara)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
以後
いご (igo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "after" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between それから and 以後.
In Japanese, それから (それから (sorekara)) is typically associated with "after that, then, and then" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used to connect actions or events in chronological order, indicating a sequence. It can also mean 'and also' when adding items..
On the other hand, 以後 (いご (igo)) maps to "after this, from now on, hereafter" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates a period of time that starts from a specific point. A literal translation of "after" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "それから"
まずシャワーを浴びます。それから、朝ごはんを食べます。
First, I take a shower. After that, I eat breakfast.
Bilingual Context for "以後"
この件に関して、以後注意します。
I will be careful about this matter from now on.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "まずシャワーを浴びます。 ＿＿＿ 、朝ごはんを食べます。" (Meaning: "First, I take a shower. After that, I eat breakfast.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "それから" fits here because it means "after that, then, and then" in the context of: "First, I take a shower. After that, I eat breakfast.". "以後" represents "after this, from now on, hereafter".