Meaning
Used to indicate a time following another event.
Cultural Background
The 'après-midi' is a sacred time for the 'goûter' (snack) at 4 PM, especially for children. In Quebec, 'après' is sometimes used in the structure 'être après faire quelque chose' to mean 'to be in the middle of doing something', though this is informal. The term 'Après-ski' originated here, describing the social life (drinks, music) after skiing. The phrase 'Après moi, le déluge' is a famous historical reference to the end of the French monarchy's stability.
The 'A' Rule
Both 'After' and 'Après' start with 'A'. This is the easiest way to remember it's not 'before'.
No 'de'!
Never say 'après de la'. It's just 'après la'. This is the #1 mistake for beginners.
Meaning
Used to indicate a time following another event.
The 'A' Rule
Both 'After' and 'Après' start with 'A'. This is the easiest way to remember it's not 'before'.
No 'de'!
Never say 'après de la'. It's just 'après la'. This is the #1 mistake for beginners.
Past Infinitive
To sound like a pro, use 'après avoir' + past participle instead of 'après' + noun.
Politeness
Use 'Après vous' in any doorway to immediately impress French speakers with your manners.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'après' or 'après le'.
Je vais au lit ______ film.
You need the article 'le' before the masculine noun 'film'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'After eating'.
French requires the past infinitive (après + avoir/être + past participle).
Match the French phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common compound forms and idioms using 'après'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: On va au café ? B: Oui, mais ______ mon cours de français.
'Après' is the correct preposition to use before a noun phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Après vs Avant
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe vais au lit ______ film.
You need the article 'le' before the masculine noun 'film'.
Choose the correct way to say 'After eating'.
French requires the past infinitive (après + avoir/être + past participle).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common compound forms and idioms using 'après'.
A: On va au café ? B: Oui, mais ______ mon cours de français.
'Après' is the correct preposition to use before a noun phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it can also be about space (the house after the bridge) or order (you are after me in line).
In casual speech, yes, but in writing or formal exams, you must say 'après avoir mangé'.
'Après' is usually a preposition (followed by a noun), while 'ensuite' is an adverb (used to link sentences).
Both are correct! However, 'le' (masculine) is more common today.
It's a common mistake even for natives. Because 'avant que' uses the subjunctive, people think 'après que' should too.
Use the compound word 'après-demain'.
It means 'according to'. For example: 'D'après mon père' (According to my father).
Only in a sequence. If something is physically hidden behind something else, use 'derrière'.
Only in a liaison, like 'après un' (pronounced like a 'z'). Otherwise, it is silent.
It means 'after the fact' or 'in hindsight'.
Yes, as an adverb meaning 'later'. Example: 'On verra après.' (We'll see later.)
It is neutral. It can be used in any context, from slang to legal texts.
Related Phrases
Ensuite
similarThen / Next
Puis
similarThen
Derrière
contrastBehind
D'après
specialized formAccording to
Après-demain
builds onThe day after tomorrow
