後
JLPT N5
After, later, behind, back
Readings
On’yomi: ゴ, コウ (go, kou)
Kun’yomi: あと, のち, うし(ろ) (ato, nochi, ushi(ro))
• あと (ato) → after, later
• のち (nochi) → later (more formal/written)
• うし（ろ） (ushiro) → behind, back
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
後で
あとで
later
後ろ
うしろ
behind
午後
ごご
afternoon
以後
いご
afterwards
直後
ちょくご
immediately after
Example Sentences
後で電話します。
あとで でんわします。
I will call later.
猫が後ろにいます。
ねこが うしろに います。
There is a cat behind me.
午後三時に会いましょう。
ごご さんじに あいましょう。
Let's meet at 3 p.m.
以後気をつけます。
いご きをつけます。
I will be careful from now on.
地震の直後に停電しました。
じしんの ちょくごに ていでんしました。
There was a blackout right after the earthquake.
Cultural Note
• Opposite word 前（まえ） → before / in front
→ Together: 前後（ぜんご） = before and after, front and back
Politeness & Timing in Japan
• In Japanese culture, time and sequencing are very important. Using words like 後ほど (のちほど) or 後で (あとで) shows consideration and politeness.
• Example: Saying 「後ほどご連絡いたします」 (“I will contact you later”) in a business email is a polite and formal way of indicating you’ll follow up, showing respect for the recipient’s time.
→ Together: 前後（ぜんご） = before and after, front and back
Politeness & Timing in Japan
• In Japanese culture, time and sequencing are very important. Using words like 後ほど (のちほど) or 後で (あとで) shows consideration and politeness.
• Example: Saying 「後ほどご連絡いたします」 (“I will contact you later”) in a business email is a polite and formal way of indicating you’ll follow up, showing respect for the recipient’s time.