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
所詮
しょせん (shosen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "after" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between それから and 所詮.
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, 所詮 (しょせん (shosen)) maps to "after all; in the end; ultimately; in the long run (often with a sense of resignation or disappointment)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to express a sense of resignation, that something is ultimately futile, limited, or inevitable. Often implies that efforts are in vain or that something cannot change.. 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 "所詮"
所詮、人間は一人では生きていけない。
After all, humans cannot live alone.
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.". "所詮" represents "after all; in the end; ultimately; in the long run (often with a sense of resignation or disappointment)".