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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

結局

けっきょく (kekkyoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "after" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between それから and 結局. 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, 結局 (けっきょく (kekkyoku)) maps to "after all; in the end; ultimately; eventually" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a situation arriving at a final result or conclusion after various processes, turns, or hesitations. Often used as 結局こうなった or 結局はこれが一番. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'In the end/ultimately! "I pretended to worry about various smart options, but in the end, I reached the conclusion that you are the only choice, Haruka-san!" ...っ! In the end, me! B-Baka! There was no need to worry from the start! But... I am actually extremely happy that you ultimately chose me, so stay by my side for life! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『けっきょく(結局)よ!『ハルカ部長、色々スマートに悩んだフリをしたけど、結局はあなた以外の選択肢はあり得ないという結論に達しました!』って…っ!結局は私!バカ!/// そんなの悩む必要すらないでしょ!…でも、最後は私にたどり着いてくれて本当はすごく嬉しいから、一生私の隣にいなさいよね!』. 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 "結局"
複数のスマートフレームワークの技術検証を重ねましたが、_______チーム開発の開発生産性を最大化するにはReactが最適だという結論に達しました。
Although we repeated technical verifications of multiple smart frameworks, in the end we reached the conclusion that React is the best to maximize the team's development productivity.

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.". "結局" represents "after all; in the end; ultimately; eventually".

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