後 — After, Behind

Meaning

The kanji 後 (go, kou, nochi, ushiro, ato) primarily means "after" and "behind." This versatile character describes both time and space. It can indicate something that happens later, or a position to the rear of an object or person. Depending on the context, its meaning can also stretch to imply subsequence, consequence, or even descendants.

後 is a fascinating kanji because its shape visually represents its meaning. It combines several elements. First, there's the radical 彳 (choku or gyōninben), which signifies "to go" or "step." Then, we have the components 幺 (yō), meaning "small" or "thread" (often associated with following), and 夂 (chi), which suggests "to go slowly." The left part, 彳, clearly conveys movement or walking. Meanwhile, the right side implies something coming later or lagging. Together, these elements paint a picture of movement that trails or follows, perfectly capturing "after" or "behind." This combination effectively creates a visual metaphor for following or being in the rear. As a core character in Japanese, 後 appears in many words and phrases related to time, position, and sequence.

This kanji has 9 strokes and is taught in Grade 2 of elementary school in Japan. This makes it a relatively early kanji for learners, highlighting its frequent use and importance in everyday Japanese.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

On'yomi readings are derived from Chinese pronunciations and are typically used in compound words (熟語, jukugo) where kanji are combined. For 後, the primary on'yomi are ゴ (go) and コウ (kou).

The reading ゴ (Go) is extremely common. You'll often find it in words that mean "after" or "later" in a general time-related sense, particularly for periods or events that follow something else. It suggests a passage of time or a subsequent state.

今後こんご (kongo) — from now on, hereafter
午後ごご (gogo) — afternoon, P.M.
食後しょくご (shokugo) — after a meal

The reading コウ (Kou) also appears in compound words. It often conveys meanings such as "behind," "back," or "afterward" in more formal or specific contexts, sometimes even implying a consequence or a following action. You might also see it in words related to supporting someone or something from behind.

後悔こうかい (koukai) — regret, repentance
後方こうほう (kouhou) — rear, behind
後援こうえん (kouen) — support, backing (literally "rear-aid")

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations associated with a single kanji and are often used when the kanji appears alone or with hiragana endings (送り仮名, okurigana).

のち (nochi) primarily means "later" or "afterward," often referring to a specific point in time or event that follows another. It emphasizes temporal succession and is frequently used in formal or literary contexts.

後ほどのちほど (nochihodo) — later (polite)
その後そののち (sono nochi) — after that, thereafter

うし.ろ (ushiro) specifically refers to a physical location, meaning "behind" or "rear." It is used to describe the back side of an object or a position behind something or someone.

後ろうしろ (ushiro) — behind, rear
後ろ姿うしろすがた (ushirosugata) — a figure seen from behind

あと (ato) is a very versatile reading, covering both time and space. It can mean "after" (referring to time), "behind" (for a place), "remains," "traces," or "succession." This reading is incredibly common in everyday conversations.

後であとで (atode) — later
後からあとから (atokara) — from behind, afterward
後片付けあとかたづけ (atokatazuke) — tidying up, cleaning up

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 後 forms an integral part of many Japanese words, expressing various nuances of time, position, and consequence. Here are some common examples, categorized by theme:

Time-Related Compounds

今後こんご (kongo) — from now on, hereafter. Used to denote future actions or periods.
午後ごご (gogo) — afternoon, P.M. A common term for the latter half of the day.
食後しょくご (shokugo) — after a meal. Refers to the period immediately following eating.
数年後すうねんご (sūnen-go) — several years later. Indicates a future point in time spanning multiple years.
後日ごじつ (gojitsu) — later date, some other day. Used when an event or action will occur at an unspecified future time.

Position/Direction-Related Compounds

後ろうしろ (ushiro) — behind, rear. The most direct word for a physical location behind something.
後方こうほう (kouhou) — rear, behind. A more formal or technical term for the rear side or direction, often used in military or vehicle contexts.
後部こうぶ (kōbu) — rear part, stern. Refers to the back section of an object, like a car or a ship.

Sequence/Result-Related Compounds

後悔こうかい (koukai) — regret, repentance. The feeling of wishing one had acted differently in the past.
後半こうはん (kouhan) — second half. Refers to the latter part of an event, game, or period.
後始末あとしまつ (atoshimatsu) — settlement, winding up, clearing up. Dealing with the aftermath or consequences of an event.
後任こうにん (kōnin) — successor. A person who takes over a position or role after someone else.
後遺症こういしょう (kōishō) — after-effects, sequelae. Lingering effects or complications from an injury or illness.

Example Sentences

後あとでまた会あいましょう。

Atode mata aimashō.

Let's meet again later.

私わたしの後うしろに誰だれかがいます。

Watashi no ushiro ni dareka ga imasu.

Someone is behind me.

仕事しごとの後あとに飲のみに行きませんか。

Shigoto no ato ni nomi ni ikimasen ka?

Shall we go for a drink after work?

今度こんどの午後ごご、会あうことはできますか。

Kondo no gogo, au koto wa dekimasu ka?

Can we meet this afternoon?

彼かれはいつも皆みんなの後あとをついてきます。

Kare wa itsumo minna no ato o tsuite kimasu.

He always follows after everyone.

最後さいごまで諦あきらめずに頑張がんばりましょう。

Saigo made akiramezu ni ganbarimashō.

Let's do our best without giving up until the very end.

卒業そつぎょうの後のち、彼女かのじょは海外かいがいへ行いきました。

Sotsugyō no nochi, kanojo wa kaigai e ikimashita.

After graduation, she went overseas.

後こう悔かいしないように、今いまできることをしましょう。

Kōkai shinai yō ni, ima dekiru koto o shimashō.

Let's do what we can now so we don't regret it later.

台風たいふうの後あとは空そらがとてもきれいでした。

Taifū no ato wa sora ga totemo kirei deshita.

The sky was very beautiful after the typhoon.

会議かいぎは午後ごご2時じに始はじまります。

Kaigi wa gogo niji ni hajimarimasu.

The meeting starts at 2 PM.

Related Kanji

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 後 (after, behind), visualize its components. The left part, 彳 (gyōninben), represents "a step" or "to go." The right part combines 幺 (small, thread) and 夂 (go slowly, winter). Imagine a person taking slow, small steps, always a little bit "behind" or "after" someone else. Another way to think of it is a person (彳) moving, leaving a "small trace" (幺) "behind" as they go slowly (夂). This visual cue helps to associate the motion with the concept of something following or being in the rear. Ultimately, the character itself illustrates a sequence, where one thing naturally follows another.