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
畢竟
ひっきょう (hikkyou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "after" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between それから and 畢竟.
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, 畢竟 (ひっきょう (hikkyou)) maps to "after all; in the end; ultimately; eventually" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to summarize a complex situation or argument, stating the ultimate conclusion or the fundamental truth. It often implies a realization or a simplified perspective.. 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 "畢竟"
色々考えてみたが、畢竟、彼の意見が最も現実的だという結論に至った。
After much thought, I ultimately came to the conclusion that his opinion was the most realistic.
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.". "畢竟" represents "after all; in the end; ultimately; eventually".