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A1 noun #3,860 most common 13 min read

後日

gojitsu Top 3,860

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 後日 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 後日 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to talk about time. You probably already know 'ashita' (tomorrow) and 'ato-de' (later). 'Gojitsu' is a slightly more advanced word that you might see in signs at a shop or in a polite email from a teacher. For now, just remember that 'Gojitsu' = 'Not today, but another day.' It is a formal way to say 'later.' If you see this word, don't expect the person to do the action today. It is useful for understanding when a shop says they will have more bread tomorrow or when a teacher says they will give you your test results next week. You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but recognizing it will help you understand polite Japanese in public places.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to handle basic social and work interactions. You should begin to recognize 'Gojitsu' as the professional version of 'later.' When you want to sound polite in a classroom or a part-time job, you can use 'Gojitsu' to promise you will do something tomorrow or the day after. For example, 'Gojitsu renraku shimasu' (I will contact you at a later date). This sounds much better than just saying 'ato-de' if you aren't going to do it today. At this level, focus on the distinction: 'Ato-de' is for later today, and 'Gojitsu' is for another day. Using 'Gojitsu' shows you are learning how to be polite in Japanese society.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Gojitsu' in your writing and speaking, especially in semi-formal situations. You will encounter this word frequently in business emails and news reports. You should also learn common pairings like 'Gojitsu aratamete' (formally at a later date). This level requires you to understand the 'buffer' that 'Gojitsu' provides—it allows for a polite delay without being rude. You should also be able to distinguish 'Gojitsu' from 'Kondo' (which can be vague and casual) and 'Nochihodo' (which is for later the same day). Using 'Gojitsu' correctly in a business email is a hallmark of a B1 learner's growing professional competence.

By B2, you should understand the nuance of 'Gojitsu' in various registers. You'll see it in literature to bridge gaps in time ('Gojitsu, he realized...') and in high-level business negotiations. You should be familiar with the noun 'Gojitsudan' (the story of what happened later). At this level, you should also be sensitive to the social distance 'Gojitsu' creates. If you use it with a very close friend, you should know that it might sound slightly cold or overly formal. You can use it to maintain a professional boundary or to show that a matter is serious enough to warrant a separate, future discussion. Your usage should be natural and correctly timed.

At the C1 level, you are mastering the subtleties of Japanese. You understand that 'Gojitsu' is not just a time marker but a tool for managing social harmony (Wa). You can use it in complex sentences to defer difficult topics gracefully. You also recognize it in academic writing and formal speeches where it might be used to refer to future research or upcoming policy changes. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it fits into the broader system of Japanese temporal expressions. You can explain the difference between 'Gojitsu' and more archaic or specialized terms like 'Goen' (later years) or 'Kounen.' Your use of 'Gojitsu' is perfectly integrated into your Keigo (honorific speech).

At the C2 level, 'Gojitsu' is a word you use with total native-like precision. You understand its role in classical-style narratives and high-stakes corporate or diplomatic communication. You can appreciate the stylistic choice of using 'Gojitsu' over other synonyms to create a specific atmosphere of professional detachment or narrative continuity. You are also capable of identifying when 'Gojitsu' is used sarcastically or euphemistically in literature. You can navigate the most formal 'Sonkeigo' and 'Kenjougo' structures while incorporating 'Gojitsu' to manage complex timelines in legal or technical documents. For you, it is a versatile tool for precise temporal and social navigation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

後日 in 30 Seconds

後日 (Gojitsu) is a formal Japanese word meaning 'at a later date' or 'another day.'
It refers to a time at least one day in the future, never later today.
It is commonly used in business settings for polite follow-ups and rescheduling.
The word combines the kanji for 'after' and 'day,' literally meaning 'after-day.'

The Japanese word 後日 (Gojitsu) is a sophisticated yet essential term for any student of the Japanese language. At its core, it translates to 'at a later date' or 'some other day.' While English speakers might use 'later' to cover anything from five minutes from now to five years from now, gojitsu is much more specific. It almost exclusively refers to a time that is at least one full day in the future. If you are planning to do something later this afternoon, gojitsu would be inappropriate; instead, you would use ato-de (後で). This distinction is crucial for maintaining natural conversation and avoiding confusion in professional settings.

Kanji Breakdown: The first kanji, 後 (go/ato), means 'after' or 'behind.' The second kanji, 日 (jitsu/hi), means 'day.' Together, they literally form 'after-day' or 'a day that comes after.'

In terms of register, gojitsu sits comfortably in the formal and polite categories. You will frequently encounter it in business emails, official announcements, and polite social refusals. It carries a sense of intentionality and respect for the other person's time. When a shopkeeper says they will have an item back in stock gojitsu, they are providing a professional assurance that the event will occur in the future, even if the exact date is currently undecided.

詳細は後日、改めてご連絡いたします。
(Shoosai wa gojitsu, aratamete gorenraku itashimasu.)
I will contact you again with the details at a later date.

Culturally, using gojitsu allows for a polite 'buffer.' In Japanese social dynamics, being too direct can sometimes be perceived as harsh. By using gojitsu, you signal that while an action won't happen now, it is still on your agenda. It is a word that balances vagueness with commitment. It is also a very 'safe' word; you can use it with your boss, a customer, or a teacher without fear of sounding too casual or overly stiff, provided the context involves a future day.

Furthermore, gojitsu is often paired with the word aratamete (改めて), which means 'again' or 'formally.' This combination—gojitsu aratamete—is a staple of Japanese business etiquette. It shows that you are not just pushing something off, but that you intend to revisit the topic with the proper focus it deserves. Understanding this word helps learners transition from basic 'textbook' Japanese to the 'real-world' Japanese used in offices and formal social circles across Japan.

後日お会いできるのを楽しみにしています。
(Gojitsu oaidekiru no o tanoshimi ni shiteimasu.)
I look forward to seeing you again at a later date.

Common Usage Scenarios: 1. Postponing a meeting. 2. Promising to send a report. 3. Scheduling a follow-up interview. 4. Referring to an event that happened after the main story in a narrative.

In narrative storytelling, gojitsu can also function as 'later on' or 'in the days that followed.' For example, in a biography, one might read, 'Gojitsu, he realized his mistake.' This usage is slightly more literary but still follows the rule of the time gap being at least a day. It provides a temporal bridge that moves the story forward smoothly. For a learner, mastering this word is a sign that you are moving beyond immediate, present-tense needs and beginning to navigate the complexities of time and social obligation in Japanese culture.

その件については、後日お話ししましょう。
(Sono ken ni tsuite wa, gojitsu ohanashi shimashoo.)
Let's talk about that matter at a later date.

Finally, it is worth noting that gojitsu is a noun that often acts like an adverb. You don't always need a particle like 'ni' after it, although 'gojitsu ni' is grammatically correct and used for emphasis. Most often, you will see it standing alone at the beginning of a phrase to set the timeframe. This flexibility makes it an easy word to drop into sentences once you are comfortable with its formal nuance. Whether you are dealing with a delayed shipment or planning a future lunch with a mentor, gojitsu is your go-to word for 'sometime soon, but not today.'

Using 後日 (Gojitsu) correctly involves understanding its placement and the verbs it typically pairs with. Since it is a temporal noun, it usually appears at the beginning of the sentence or immediately before the verb phrase it modifies. It sets a formal tone, so the verbs following it are often in the -masu form or even humble/honorific forms (Keigo).

Structure: Time + Action: [後日] + [Action/Verb]. Examples: 後日伺います (I will visit at a later date), 後日確認します (I will check at a later date).

One of the most common patterns is 後日改めて (Gojitsu aratamete). The word 'aratamete' means 'anew' or 'formally again.' When you combine these, you are saying, 'I will do this again at a later date in a more formal or thorough capacity.' This is the gold standard for business communication when you cannot give a full answer immediately.

後日、改めてお電話を差し上げます。
(Gojitsu, aratamete o-denwa o sashiagemasu.)
I will call you back formally at a later date.

Another important usage is 後日の (Gojitsu no). Here, gojitsu acts as a modifier for another noun. For example, gojitsu no yotei means 'plans for a later date.' This is useful when you are discussing future scheduling or referring to a follow-up event that has already been mentioned.

後日の予定を確認して、メールします。
(Gojitsu no yotei o kakunin shite, meeru shimasu.)
I will check my schedule for a later date and email you.

You should also be aware of the phrase 後日談 (Gojitsudan). This is a specific noun meaning 'the rest of the story' or 'an account of what happened later.' You might hear this in documentaries, talk shows, or when someone is finishing a long anecdote. It refers to the aftermath or the 'epilogue' of an event.

When using gojitsu in a sentence, consider the level of certainty. If you have a specific day in mind, like 'Tuesday,' it is better to say 'kayoobi ni.' Use gojitsu when the exact day is either unimportant or yet to be determined. This 'polite vagueness' is a key feature of Japanese communication, allowing both parties to remain flexible.

資料は後日郵送いたします。
(Shiryo wa gojitsu yuuso itashimasu.)
The documents will be sent by mail at a later date.

Key Verbs for Gojitsu: 連絡する (To contact), 報告する (To report), 発送する (To ship), 伺う (To visit - humble), 相談する (To consult).

Finally, remember that gojitsu is rarely used in casual speech with close friends. In those cases, you would likely use mata kondo (また今度) or ato-de (後で). Using gojitsu with a close friend might make you sound like you are treating the friendship like a business transaction! Keep it for situations where you want to show respect, professionalism, or a slight social distance.

そのお祝いは、また後日ゆっくりしましょう。
(Sono oiwai wa, mata gojitsu yukkuri shimashoo.)
Let's celebrate that properly at a later date.

In Japan, you will encounter 後日 (Gojitsu) in a variety of public and professional settings. It is a 'signpost' word that helps people manage expectations. One of the most common places to hear it is in a retail environment. If a product is out of stock, a clerk might say, 'Gojitsu nyuuka shimasu' (It will arrive at a later date). This sounds much more professional than just saying it's not there.

In the Office: During a meeting, if a question arises that no one has the answer to, the chairperson might say, 'Gojitsu kaito shimasu' (We will provide an answer at a later date). This allows the meeting to continue without getting bogged down in unknowns.

You will also hear gojitsu in official announcements, such as those made at train stations or over loudspeakers in public buildings. If an event is postponed due to weather, the announcement will invariably use gojitsu to refer to the rescheduled time. It provides a formal 'cushion' to the bad news of a delay.

本日のイベントは中止ですが、後日開催予定です。
(Honjitsu no ibento wa chuushi desu ga, gojitsu kaisai yotei desu.)
Today's event is cancelled, but it is scheduled to be held at a later date.

In the world of media, particularly news and documentaries, gojitsu is used to describe the follow-up to a story. After a major incident, a reporter might say, 'Gojitsu, new evidence was found.' This creates a clear timeline for the viewer. Similarly, in the credits of a movie or at the end of a novel, a 'Gojitsudan' (later story) might explain what happened to the characters after the main plot concluded.

Customer service emails are another prime location for this word. When you submit an inquiry to a Japanese company, the automated response often says, 'A representative will contact you gojitsu.' This sets a professional boundary, indicating that while they have received your message, they won't be replying within the next few minutes or hours.

担当者より後日返信させていただきます。
(Tantoosha yori gojitsu henshin sasete itadakimasu.)
Our representative will reply to you at a later date.

Where else to look?: Check out the 'News' section of Japanese websites. Look for headlines about 'Gojitsu no hapyoo' (announcements to be made later). You will see it constantly in the context of corporate earnings or event scheduling.

Lastly, in formal social gatherings like weddings or funerals, gojitsu is used for follow-up thank-you notes or visits. It is part of the 'Reigi' (etiquette) of Japanese life. Using the word correctly in these contexts shows a deep understanding of Japanese social structure and the importance of following up on commitments made in the heat of a busy event.

The most common mistake learners make with 後日 (Gojitsu) is using it for a timeframe that is too short. In English, 'later' can mean anything. You might say, 'I'll call you later,' and mean in twenty minutes. In Japanese, if you say gojitsu, the listener will not expect a call today. They will wait until at least tomorrow. Using gojitsu for an action happening in two hours sounds very strange and confusing to a native speaker.

Mistake 1: The 'Today' Error: Incorrect: 2時間後に、後日連絡します (I will contact you 'later date' in 2 hours). Correct: 後で連絡します (I will contact you later/afterwards).

Another mistake is using gojitsu in overly casual contexts. If you are talking to your best friend about going to the movies, saying gojitsu ikoo sounds like you are scheduling a business appointment. It creates a 'distance' that might feel cold or overly formal. In casual speech, mata kondo (next time) or ato-de (later) are much more appropriate and warm.

× 友達に：「後日遊ぼう！」 (Too formal)
○ 友達に：「また今度遊ぼう！」 (Natural casual)

A third common error involves the misuse of particles. While gojitsu can take the particle ni, it is often used as a standalone adverbial noun. Learners sometimes get confused and try to treat it like ashita (tomorrow) or kyoo (today) in ways that don't quite fit the formal 'weight' of the word. Also, don't confuse gojitsu with gonichi. While the kanji are the same, gonichi specifically means 'five days' (五日). Always check your kanji carefully!

Finally, learners sometimes use gojitsu when they actually mean 'the next day' (yokujitsu). Gojitsu is indefinite. If you know for a fact the event happened exactly one day later, use yokujitsu (翌日). Gojitsu is for when you aren't being specific about which day it was, just that it was 'a day after' the current reference point. Understanding these subtle differences in 'later' words will greatly improve your Japanese fluency.

Summary of Mistake Contexts: 1. Using it for same-day actions. 2. Using it with close friends. 3. Confusing it with 'five days' (gonichi). 4. Using it when 'next day' (yokujitsu) is more accurate.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Am I talking about a future day?' and 'Is this a formal or professional situation?' If the answer to both is yes, gojitsu is likely the perfect choice. If you are just talking about finishing your homework after dinner, stick to ato-de.

Japanese has many ways to say 'later' or 'at another time,' and choosing the right one depends entirely on context. 後日 (Gojitsu) is just one piece of the puzzle. Let's compare it to its closest relatives to help you choose the right word for every situation.

Gojitsu vs. Ato-de (後で): Ato-de is the most general word for 'later.' It can mean in five minutes or five days. It is casual to neutral. Gojitsu is specifically for 'a later day' and is formal.
Gojitsu vs. Kondo (今度): Kondo is very common and means 'next time' or 'this time.' It is much more casual than gojitsu. If you invite a friend to lunch and they say 'kondo,' it's a soft 'maybe later.' Gojitsu sounds more like a firm commitment to a future date.

Another alternative is 後ほど (Nochihodo). This is a very polite version of 'later,' but unlike gojitsu, it often refers to something happening later the same day. In a restaurant, a waiter might say, 'Nochihodo o-mochi shimasu' (I will bring it later/shortly). You would not use gojitsu here unless the food was coming tomorrow!

後ほど (Nochihodo) = Later today (Formal)
後日 (Gojitsu) = Another day (Formal)

Then there is 日を改めて (Hi o aratamete). This phrase literally means 'changing the day' and is used when you want to suggest rescheduling an ongoing activity to a different day because things aren't working out now. It is very similar in meaning to gojitsu but focuses more on the act of rescheduling.

For literary or very formal historical contexts, you might see 後年 (Kounen), which means 'in later years.' This is like gojitsu but on a much larger timescale. While gojitsu is about days, kounen is about decades. Knowing these distinctions allows you to be precise in your Japanese, showing that you understand the nuances of time and social obligation.

Quick Comparison Table: - 後で (Ato-de): General, casual. - 後ほど (Nochihodo): Same day, formal. - 今度 (Kondo): Next time, casual/friendly. - 後日 (Gojitsu): Another day, formal/business.

By mastering gojitsu and its alternatives, you can navigate Japanese social life with grace. You'll know how to politely delay a meeting, how to promise a follow-up, and how to describe events in a story with the correct level of formality and temporal accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While the kanji are simple, the word 'Gojitsu' is considered a 'Kango' (Chinese-derived word), which usually gives it a more formal or academic feeling compared to native Japanese 'Wago' words like 'Ato-de'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɡɒ.dʒi.tsu

US ɡoʊ.dʒi.tsu

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. Gojitsu typically has a 'Heiban' (flat) or 'Atamadaka' (initial high) accent depending on the dialect, but for learners, keeping it relatively flat is best.

Rhymes With

Honjitsu (Today) Zennitsu (Whole day) Yokujitsu (Next day) Mainitsu (Every day - rare variant) Shukujitsu (Holiday) Kinjitsu (Soon) Rainitsu (Coming to Japan) Tanitsu (Single unit)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jitsu' as 'jit-soo' with a heavy 'oo'. It should be a short 'u'.
Confusing it with 'gonichi' (five days).
Stressing the wrong syllable; keep it even.
Mixing up 'go' and 'ko'.
Treating the 'tsu' as two separate sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are basic N5/N4 level, but the reading 'jitsu' is less common than 'hi'.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write if you know 'after' and 'day'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires understanding of formal register to use naturally.

Listening 2/5

Very common in announcements and business.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

後 (After) 日 (Day) 後で (Later) 今日 (Today) 明日 (Tomorrow)

Learn Next

先日 (The other day) 後ほど (Shortly/Later today) 改めて (Again/Formally) 詳細 (Details) 連絡 (Contact)

Advanced

後日譚 (Later tale) 他日 (Another day) 後刻 (Later hour) 翌々日 (Day after tomorrow) 近日 (In a few days)

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Nouns

後日(に)連絡します。 (Temporal nouns like gojitsu can act as adverbs without particles.)

Noun Modifiers with 'No'

後日の予定 (Using 'no' to connect gojitsu to another noun.)

Humble Speech (Kenjougo)

後日伺います。 (Gojitsu is often used with humble verbs in business.)

Formal Copula 'Desu'

詳細は後日です。 (Gojitsu can be the predicate of a sentence.)

Rescheduling with 'Aratamete'

後日改めて。 (A set phrase used to postpone a discussion formally.)

Examples by Level

後日、電話します。

I will call at a later date.

Simple future use of gojitsu.

資料は後日送ります。

I will send the materials at a later date.

Gojitsu used as a temporal adverb.

後日、また来てください。

Please come again another day.

Requesting a future visit.

テストの結果は後日です。

The test results will be (given) another day.

Gojitsu followed by the copula 'desu'.

後日、会いましょう。

Let's meet another day.

Using the volative 'mashoo' with gojitsu.

詳細は後日発表します。

Details will be announced at a later date.

Formal announcement style.

後日、メールをください。

Please give me an email at a later date.

Polite request using 'kudasai'.

それは後日でいいですか？

Is it okay if we do that another day?

Asking for permission to postpone.

後日、改めてご連絡します。

I will contact you again at a later date.

Common business phrase 'aratamete'.

商品の入荷は後日になります。

The product arrival will be at a later date.

Nouns connected with 'wa' and 'ni narimasu'.

後日の予定を教えてください。

Please tell me your schedule for a later date.

Gojitsu used as a noun modifier with 'no'.

その件は後日話し合いましょう。

Let's discuss that matter at a later date.

Using 'hanashiaimashoo' (let's discuss).

後日、領収書を郵送します。

I will mail the receipt at a later date.

Specific action 'yuuso' (mailing).

お返事は後日で構いません。

The reply can be at a later date.

Using 'kamaimasen' (it doesn't matter/it's okay).

後日、写真を送りますね。

I'll send the photos another day, okay?

Adding 'ne' for a friendly yet polite tone.

詳しいことは後日聞きに行きます。

I will go to hear the details another day.

Using 'iki-masu' (to go) for a future action.

後日、改めて正式な回答をいたします。

I will provide a formal response again at a later date.

Humble form 'itashimasu'.

この件の解決は後日に持ち越された。

The resolution of this matter was carried over to a later date.

Passive form 'mochikosa reta'.

後日談によると、彼は無事だったそうだ。

According to the later account, he was safe.

Using 'gojitsudan' (later story).

後日のトラブルを避けるために確認が必要です。

Confirmation is necessary to avoid trouble at a later date.

Using 'gojitsu no' to modify 'toraburu'.

参加者には後日、資料を配布します。

Materials will be distributed to participants at a later date.

Targeting 'sankasha' (participants).

後日、改めてお詫びに伺います。

I will visit you again at a later date to apologize.

Humble verb 'ukagaimasu'.

そのニュースの真相は後日明らかになった。

The truth of that news became clear at a later date.

Using 'akiraka ni natta' (became clear).

後日また、ゆっくりお話しできればと思います。

I hope we can talk slowly again at a later date.

Polite desire expression 'dekireba to omoimasu'.

後日の調査により、新たな事実が判明した。

A later investigation revealed new facts.

Formal noun 'choosa' (investigation).

契約内容については、後日再検討しましょう。

Let's re-examine the contract details at a later date.

Using 'saikentoo' (re-examination).

後日、改めて検討結果をご報告申し上げます。

I will report the results of the consideration again at a later date.

Very formal 'go-hookoku mooshiagemasu'.

彼はその決断を、後日ひどく後悔することになった。

He would come to deeply regret that decision at a later date.

Narrative 'koto ni natta' (it came to pass).

変更点については、後日メールにて通知いたします。

We will notify you of the changes via email at a later date.

Using 'nite' as a formal version of 'de'.

後日、改めて打ち合わせの時間を設定させてください。

Please let me set a time for a meeting again at a later date.

Causative-polite 'settei sasete kudasai'.

この物語には、興味深い後日談があります。

This story has an interesting follow-up account.

Describing 'gojitsudan'.

後日のメンテナンス費用も考慮に入れるべきだ。

Maintenance costs at a later date should also be taken into account.

Using 'beki da' (should).

本件の詳細は、後日発行されるプレスリリースをご参照ください。

For details on this matter, please refer to the press release to be issued at a later date.

Formal 'go-sanshoo kudasai'.

その政策の影響は、後日、広範囲にわたって現れた。

The impact of that policy appeared extensively at a later date.

Describing 'koohani watatte' (extensively).

後日、改めて専門家の意見を仰ぐ必要がある。

It is necessary to seek the opinion of an expert again at a later date.

Using 'iken o augu' (seek an opinion).

この発見の重要性が認識されたのは、かなり後日のことだった。

It was quite a bit later that the importance of this discovery was recognized.

Using 'no koto datta' for emphasis.

後日の禍根を残さないよう、慎重に対応すべきである。

We should handle this carefully so as not to leave any seeds of trouble for a later date.

Using 'kakon' (seeds of trouble).

詳細は後日、書面にて改めてお伝えいたします。

Details will be conveyed again in writing at a later date.

Using 'shomen' (in writing).

その事件の後日談は、今もなお語り継がれている。

The follow-up story of that incident is still being told today.

Using 'katari-tsuga rete iru' (being passed down).

後日、改めて公的な場での説明を求められた。

A later explanation in a public forum was requested.

Passive 'motomerareta'.

後日、改めて厳粛なる儀式が執り行われることとなった。

It was decided that a solemn ceremony would be held at a later date.

Highly formal 'toriokonawareru'.

その言動がどのような波紋を広げるかは、後日の歴史が証明するだろう。

History at a later date will prove what kind of ripples those words and actions will spread.

Metaphorical 'hamon o hirogeru'.

後日、改めて事の顛末を詳らかにする所存です。

I intend to clarify the full details of the matter again at a later date.

Archaic/Formal 'tenmatsu o tsumabiraka ni suru'.

後日の再会を約して、二人は別々の道を歩み始めた。

Promising a reunion at a later date, the two began to walk separate paths.

Using 'yakushite' (promising/contracting).

その理論の正当性は、後日の実験によって裏付けられた。

The validity of that theory was supported by experiments at a later date.

Using 'uradukerareta' (supported/backed up).

後日、改めて遺族への弔問に伺う予定でございます。

I plan to visit the bereaved family to offer condolences again at a later date.

Using 'choomon' (condolence visit).

この決定がもたらす帰結は、後日、冷徹に評価されるに違いない。

The consequences brought about by this decision will undoubtedly be evaluated dispassionately at a later date.

Using 'reitetsu ni' (dispassionately).

後日、改めて万全の態勢を整えてから再挑戦する。

I will try again at a later date after preparing a perfect posture.

Using 'banzen no taisei' (perfect preparation).

Synonyms

後ほど他日後々後かた日を改めて

Antonyms

当日即日先日

Common Collocations

後日改めて

後日の予定

後日談

後日発送

後日確認

後日発表

後日連絡

後日郵送

後日訪問

後日精算

Common Phrases

後日改めてご連絡いたします

— I will contact you again formally at a later date. Standard business follow-up.

検討の結果は、後日改めてご連絡いたします。

後日の楽しみにとっておく

— To save something for later enjoyment. Used for treats or experiences.

このお菓子は後日の楽しみにとっておこう。

後日談を語る

— To tell the story of what happened afterwards.

彼はその冒険の後日談を語った。

詳細は後日

— Details to follow later. Used in posters or short notices.

イベント開催決定！詳細は後日。

後日をお楽しみに

— Please look forward to it at a later date.

新しいプロジェクトについては、後日をお楽しみに。

後日またゆっくり

— Doing something properly or slowly another day.

今日は忙しいので、後日またゆっくり話しましょう。

後日、判明したことだが

— As it turned out later... Used in storytelling.

後日、判明したことだが、彼は犯人ではなかった。

後日に回す

— To postpone something to a later day.

その仕事は後日に回そう。

後日のために

— For the sake of the future/later days.

後日のためにメモを残しておく。

後日お会いしましょう

— Let's meet at a later date. Polite parting phrase.

それでは、後日お会いしましょう。

Often Confused With

後日 vs 後で (Ato-de)

Ato-de is general and can mean later today. Gojitsu is only for another day.

後日 vs 後ほど (Nochihodo)

Nochihodo is very formal but usually means later the SAME day.

後日 vs 今度 (Kondo)

Kondo is more casual and can be vague ('next time'). Gojitsu is a more formal promise.

Idioms & Expressions

"後日の期を期す"

— To wait for a better opportunity in the future.

今は退くが、後日の期を期す。

Literary

"後日を期する"

— To promise to do something later or wait for another day.

再会を後日を期して別れた。

Formal

"後日談に花が咲く"

— To have a lively conversation about things that happened later.

同窓会で後日談に花が咲いた。

Informal

"後日の戒め"

— A lesson for the future.

この失敗を後日の戒めとする。

Formal

"後日の糧にする"

— To use an experience as nourishment/motivation for the future.

この苦労を後日の糧にしたい。

Inspirational

"後日の証拠"

— Evidence for a later date.

後日の証拠として録音する。

Legal

"後日の憂い"

— Worries/troubles for the future.

後日の憂いを断つために今動く。

Formal

"後日の沙汰"

— A later decision or instruction (often from a superior).

処罰については後日の沙汰を待て。

Archaic/Formal

"後日の便"

— A future opportunity or later delivery.

後日の便に託して送る。

Formal

"後日の縁"

— A future connection or relationship.

これが後日の縁となった。

Literary

Easily Confused

後日 vs 五日 (Itsuka/Gonichi)

The kanji for 'five days' (五日) looks similar to 'later day' (後日) to beginners.

五日 means exactly five days or the 5th of the month. 後日 means an unspecified later day.

五日後に行きます (I'll go in 5 days) vs 後日行きます (I'll go another day).

後日 vs 先日 (Senjitsu)

Both end in 'jitsu' and refer to a non-specific day.

Senjitsu is the past (the other day). Gojitsu is the future (another day).

先日はありがとう (Thanks for the other day) vs 後日伺います (I'll visit another day).

後日 vs 翌日 (Yokujitsu)

Both refer to a day after a certain point.

Yokujitsu is specifically 'the next day.' Gojitsu is 'some day later.'

翌日に届いた (It arrived the next day) vs 後日届く (It will arrive some day later).

後日 vs 後刻 (Gokoku)

Both mean 'later' in a formal way.

Gokoku refers to a later time on the same day. Gojitsu refers to a different day.

後刻お伝えします (I'll tell you later today).

後日 vs 他日 (Tajitsu)

Synonyms meaning 'another day.'

Tajitsu is extremely formal/literary. Gojitsu is standard formal/business.

他日の再会を期す (Hope for a reunion another day).

Sentence Patterns

後日、[Verb-masu]。

後日、行きます。

後日、改めて[Verb-masu]。

後日、改めて電話します。

[Noun]は後日になります。

発表は後日になります。

後日の[Noun]を[Verb]。

後日の予定を確認する。

後日、[Verb-humble]。

後日、ご報告申し上げます。

後日を期して、[Action]。

後日を期して、今日は解散した。

後日談によると[Sentence]。

後日談によると、彼は成功したらしい。

後日でいいですか？

お返事は後日でいいですか？

Word Family

Nouns

後日談 (Gojitsudan - later story)

後日の予定 (Gojitsu no yotei - future plans)

Verbs

後日にする (Gojitsu ni suru - to postpone to another day)

昨日 (Kinou - yesterday)

今日 (Kyou - today)

明日 (Ashita - tomorrow)

翌日 (Yokujitsu - next day)

先日 (Senjitsu - the other day)

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in professional/public contexts)

Common Mistakes

Using 'Gojitsu' for 'later today'. → 後で (Ato-de) or 後ほど (Nochihodo).
Gojitsu literally means 'after-day', so it must be a different day.
Using 'Gojitsu' with close friends. → また今度 (Mata kondo).
Gojitsu is too formal and can make you sound cold or distant to friends.
Confusing 'Gojitsu' with 'Gonichi'. → 後日 (Gojitsu).
Gonichi specifically means 'five days'. Check the first kanji!
Thinking 'Gojitsu' means 'the next day'. → 翌日 (Yokujitsu).
Gojitsu is indefinite. Yokujitsu is specifically 'the very next day'.
Using 'Gojitsu' in a casual '-ru' form sentence. → 後でやるよ (Ato-de yaru yo).
Gojitsu usually pairs with polite '-masu' or formal verbs.

Tips

Business Email Tip

When you can't answer a client's question immediately, use '詳細は後日、改めてご連絡いたします' to buy yourself time professionally.

Noun vs Adverb

Remember that 'Gojitsu' is a noun that often acts as an adverb. You don't need 'ni' most of the time.

Storytelling

Look out for 'Gojitsudan' at the end of stories to find out what happened to the characters later.

Polite Refusal

If someone invites you to something you can't attend today, '後日また誘ってください' (Please invite me again another day) is a very polite way to decline.

Pitch Accent

Try to keep the pitch flat across all four moras (go-ji-tsu) for a standard Tokyo accent.

Kanji Meaning

Focus on the 'After' + 'Day' logic. It makes the word very easy to remember once you see the characters.

Shop Announcements

In Japan, if a sale or event is listed as '詳細は後日', keep checking their website for updates.

Social Buffer

Understand that 'Gojitsu' provides a 'buffer'. It's a way to say 'no' to 'now' without saying 'no' to the person.

Gojitsu vs Nochihodo

Always use 'Nochihodo' for later today and 'Gojitsu' for tomorrow or later. This is a common test question!

Mnemonic

Go (Later) + Jitsu (Day). It's the 'Go-Later-Day' word!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Go' (Go away) and 'Jitsu' (Just a day). So, 'Go away for just a day' and come back 'Gojitsu' (at a later date).

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar where the current day is crossed out, and an arrow points to a blank box in the future labeled 'GOJITSU'.

Word Web

Future Formal Calendar Business Later Follow-up Indefinite Polite

Challenge

Try to write a professional email draft using 'Gojitsu' to postpone a meeting with a teacher.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese (Sino-Japanese reading). The kanji 後 (after) and 日 (day) have been used together for centuries.

Original meaning: Literally 'after day' or 'subsequent day.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Never use 'Gojitsu' if you are actually going to do something in an hour; it will make you look like you don't understand time.

English speakers often use 'later' for everything. In Japanese, you must switch to 'Gojitsu' to avoid sounding like a child or being too casual in a workplace.

Gojitsudan (a common trope in Anime where the ending explains the characters' futures) Historical records often use 'Gojitsu' to note when a samurai's fate was finally decided. Modern J-Dramas use it in tense business scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Email

後日改めてご連絡します
詳細は後日お伝えします
後日の打ち合わせ
後日確認させていただきます

Customer Service

後日入荷します
後日発送いたします
後日お越しください
返信は後日になります

News/Announcements

後日発表予定
後日開催
後日判明
詳細は後日HPにて

Social/Polite Refusal

後日またゆっくり
後日お会いしましょう
後日で構いませんか
後日の楽しみに

Storytelling

後日談
後日、彼は気づいた
後日のことだが
後日の調査で

Conversation Starters

"その件については、後日また相談しませんか？ (Why don't we consult about that again another day?)"

"後日、お時間がある時にランチでもどうですか？ (How about lunch another day when you have time?)"

"テストの結果は後日わかりますか？ (Will the test results be known at a later date?)"

"後日の予定を確認してもいいですか？ (May I check the schedule for a later date?)"

"面白い後日談を聞かせてくれませんか？ (Won't you tell me an interesting follow-up story?)"

Journal Prompts

今日できなかったことで、後日やりたいことは何ですか？ (What is something you couldn't do today that you want to do another day?)

最近あった出来事の後日談を書いてください。 (Write a follow-up story to a recent event.)

「後日改めて」という言葉を使ったビジネスメールを練習しましょう。 (Practice a business email using 'Gojitsu aratamete'.)

後日の自分へのメッセージを書いてください。 (Write a message to your future self at a later date.)

予定が後日に変更になった時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Write about your feelings when a schedule is changed to a later date.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'Gojitsu' specifically means 'another day' (literally 'after-day'). If you mean later today, use 'ato-de' or the formal 'nochihodo'.

Usually, yes. It sounds like you are making a business appointment. Use 'mata kondo' or 'ato-de' with friends instead.

'Kondo' is casual and can mean 'next time' or 'this time.' 'Gojitsu' is formal and always refers to a future day.

It's optional. 'Gojitsu' can act as an adverb on its own. 'Gojitsu ni' is used for extra emphasis on the day itself.

Use the term 'Gojitsudan' (後日談). It's very common in anime and literature.

Yes, it is extremely common in business emails to politely postpone a task or promise a follow-up.

In narrative storytelling, it can mean 'later on' relative to the past events being described, but in conversation, it always refers to the future.

It is a set phrase meaning 'I will do it again formally at a later date.' It's very polite business Japanese.

Yes, it is a standard 'tsu' sound, but the 'u' at the end is often whispered or shortened in natural speech.

No, it is indefinite. It could be tomorrow, or it could be next month. It just means 'not today'.