It is the standard Japanese phrase to indicate 'after that' or 'subsequently' in a chronological sequence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe events happening after a specific point in time.
- Functions as a temporal connector between two clauses or sentences.
- Commonly used in both casual conversation and formal narrative writing.
Overview
- 1概要：「その後」は、ある時点や出来事の後の時間を指す副詞です。物語の展開や、一連の出来事を時系列で説明する際に非常に頻繁に使われます。2) 使用パターン：文頭に置くことが最も一般的で、前の文章の内容を受けて「それから」というニュアンスで繋ぎます。「その後、彼は〜した」のように、主語を伴う文章の接続に使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話からビジネスの報告書まで幅広く使えます。例えば、旅行の計画を話すときや、仕事の進捗を報告するときなど、時間の経過が重要な場面で必須の表現です。4) 類語との比較：「それから」は口語的で会話によく使われます。「以後」はより硬い表現で、ある時点からずっと続くという意味が強くなります。「その後」は、特定の出来事の直後や、ある程度の時間が経った後の両方の意味で使えるため、最も汎用性が高いと言えます。
Examples
その後、彼は東京へ引っ越した。
everydayAfter that, he moved to Tokyo.
その後、プロジェクトは順調に進んだ。
formalSubsequently, the project proceeded smoothly.
その後どうなったの？
informalWhat happened after that?
その後、この理論は広く受け入れられた。
academicThereafter, this theory was widely accepted.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
その後いかがですか
How are things going since then?
その後もずっと
Even after that, for a long time.
その後の展開
Subsequent developments.
Often Confused With
More casual and often used in spoken language. It emphasizes the sequence of actions.
More formal and implies a continuous state from a point onwards. It sounds more rigid than 'その後'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
It is a versatile adverb suitable for all registers. Avoid using it for future plans, as it is strictly for past or existing narratives. In formal letters, it is a standard way to follow up on previous interactions.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use it for future plans, which sounds unnatural. Another mistake is omitting the comma after the word, which makes the sentence harder to read. Ensure it is used to describe a sequence of past events.
Tips
Use it to connect narrative sentences
Place it at the start of a sentence to link past events. It creates a smooth flow in storytelling.
Don't use for future plans
Avoid using it for future events. Use 'あとで' or 'のちに' instead to sound more natural.
Essential for polite inquiry
In business, 'その後' is often used in follow-up emails. It shows you are tracking the progress of a project.
Word Origin
Derived from 'その' (that) and '後' (after/behind). It literally means 'the time/space behind that event'.
Cultural Context
Used frequently in Japanese business culture for follow-up emails. It shows professionalism and attentiveness to ongoing tasks or relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of it as 'The-After'. Just like 'The-After' (その後), it marks the time following a specific event.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「それから」は会話でよく使われる少しカジュアルな表現です。「その後」は書き言葉でも話し言葉でも使え、より客観的な時間の経過を強調する際に適しています。
基本的には文の先頭に置きます。「その後、私は〜した」のように、読点（、）を打って使うのが一般的です。
いいえ、主に過去の出来事の順序を説明する際に使います。未来の予定には「そのあとで」や「のちに」を使うのが自然です。
「その後」自体が丁寧な表現ですが、ビジネスメールなどでは「その後いかがお過ごしでしょうか」のように、相手の状況を尋ねる定型句としても使われます。
Test Yourself
昨日、映画を見た。___、カフェで友達と話した。
時間の経過を表す接続詞として「その後」が最も適切です。
文脈として自然なものはどれですか？
過去の出来事の後に続く事象を述べているためです。
（その後 / 卒業して / 就職した / 彼は）
文頭に「その後」を置くことで、時系列が明確になります。
Score: /3
Summary
It is the standard Japanese phrase to indicate 'after that' or 'subsequently' in a chronological sequence.
- Used to describe events happening after a specific point in time.
- Functions as a temporal connector between two clauses or sentences.
- Commonly used in both casual conversation and formal narrative writing.
Use it to connect narrative sentences
Place it at the start of a sentence to link past events. It creates a smooth flow in storytelling.
Don't use for future plans
Avoid using it for future events. Use 'あとで' or 'のちに' instead to sound more natural.
Essential for polite inquiry
In business, 'その後' is often used in follow-up emails. It shows you are tracking the progress of a project.
Examples
4 of 4その後、彼は東京へ引っ越した。
After that, he moved to Tokyo.
その後、プロジェクトは順調に進んだ。
Subsequently, the project proceeded smoothly.
その後どうなったの？
What happened after that?
その後、この理論は広く受け入れられた。
Thereafter, this theory was widely accepted.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
