Grammar Info
N4 Lesson 2: 9/17

後(あと)で
After, Later

Structure
Verb[た]+ あと
Noun + + あと
+ Phrase
Verb + のは + あと
Details
Register Standard
使用域 一般
Information
In Japanese, あとで is a combination of the noun 後(あと) (behind), and the particle (with). When these words are linked, they form an adverbial phrase which is used to express ‘after’, or ‘later’. As with ’s standard meaning of ‘with’, あとで is simply highlighting that something will happen, ‘with’ the ‘after/behind’ part of something.
To use あとで, attach it to the end of any past-tense verb, noun followed by , or verb followed by のは (nominalization).
  • 勉強(べんきょう)する食(た)べ後(あと)でいいよ
    You can study after you finish eating. (With the time after eating)
  • 仕事(しごと) 後(あと)で、飲(の)み会(かい)に行(い)きます
    I will go to the party after work. (With the time after work)
  • コピー取(と)後(あと)でいいから、今(いま)上司(じょうし)電話(でんわ)
    Since it’s fine to make the copies later, please call the boss right now. (With the time after calling the boss)
Fun Fact
The reason that 後(あと) is translated as both ‘after’, and ‘behind’, is because sequences of events in Japanese behave similarly to a train. When the head of the train (one action) passes a specific point, there are still potentially many carriages (other actions) coming ‘after’, or ‘behind’ it.
後(あと)で may also be used to alter the meaning of an entire phrase, by appearing at the front. This nuance is just that (A) will happen (at some point) after now.
  • 後(あと)で洗濯(せんたく)もの干(ほ)
    Please hang the laundry later.
Slow Male
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勉強(べんきょう)した後(あと)で遊(あそ)んでいい
It is ok to play after you study.
Play  
食事(しょくじ)後(あと)でお皿(さら)洗(あら)わなくてはいけない
I have to wash dishes after a meal.
Play  
また後(あと)で会(あ)いましょう
Let's meet again later.
Play  
Books
Marugoto Elementary 1 (A2) Rikai
Page 82
みんなの日本語 II
Page 60 [CH 34]
[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 78
[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 114