Afterwards, indicating something happens subsequent to a specific event or time.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to indicate a time following an event.
- Functions as an adverb for temporal sequence.
- Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
Overview
- 1概述：‘过后’是一个非常实用的副词，用来表示时间上的先后顺序，即在某件事完成或某个时间点结束之后。它强调的是‘之后’这个时间段的状态或动作。2) 使用模式：它通常放在动词或小句之后，有时也可以独立使用。例如‘吃过饭过后’或者直接说‘过后我再找你’。它能够很好地衔接前后文，使叙述更有条理。3) 常见语境：在日常生活中，我们常用它来安排行程（‘过后我们去喝咖啡’）或描述事情的后续影响（‘这件事过后，他改变了想法’）。它既可以用于口语，也常出现在书面语中。4) 近义词辨析：与‘以后’相比，‘过后’更侧重于特定事件结束后的那一瞬间或那段时间；‘后来’则更侧重于时间轴上的后续发展，通常用于叙事。
Examples
吃过饭过后，我们去散步。
everydayAfter we finish eating, let's go for a walk.
会议过后，我们将发布报告。
formalAfter the meeting, we will release the report.
过后我再给你打电话。
informalI will call you afterwards.
实验过后，数据发生了变化。
academicAfter the experiment, the data changed.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
过后不久
Shortly after
事情过后
After the matter
过后才
Only afterwards
Often Confused With
‘以后’ refers to any time after now or a point in the future. '过后' is specifically tied to the completion of a preceding event.
‘后来’ is used in narrative contexts to describe the sequence of events in a story. It is not used for simple time-based planning like '过后'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '过后' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal registers. It is almost always placed after the event or time phrase it modifies. It is a high-frequency word essential for basic narrative and planning skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '过后' to mean 'in the future' (e.g., 'I will go to China过后'), which is incorrect. It must be linked to a specific preceding event. Another mistake is placing it before the event instead of after.
Tips
Focus on the sequence of events
Use '过后' to clearly mark the transition between two actions. It helps the listener follow your timeline easily.
Avoid using it for long-term future
Do not use '过后' to refer to a vague future time. Use '以后' for general future references instead.
Common in daily social planning
Chinese speakers often use '过后' to suggest plans after a current activity. It sounds natural and polite.
Word Origin
The word is a compound of '过' (pass/finish) and '后' (after). It literally means 'past the time/event'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, time management is often expressed in relation to events (e.g., 'after finishing work') rather than just clock time. '过后' reflects this event-oriented way of thinking.
Memory Tip
Think of it as 'After-Done'. If you finish an event, you are '过后' (past that point).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“以后”范围更广，指现在或过去某一点之后的任何时间。而“过后”通常紧跟在某个特定事件或动作之后，强调后续的衔接。
可以，放在句首时通常起到过渡连接的作用，表示“在那之后”。例如：“过后，他离开了。”
它常与时间词或动词短语搭配使用，如“吃饭过后”、“三点过后”。
可以，它在正式和非正式场合中都很常用，属于中性词汇。
Test Yourself
我们吃完饭___去公园散步吧。
表示吃完饭这个动作之后，所以用‘过后’。
“下雨过后，空气很清新。”这句话的意思是？
‘过后’明确表示事件发生的时间点之后。
他 / 走 / 了 / 过后 / 离开
‘走’是动作，‘过后’放在动作后表示后续。
Score: /3
Summary
Afterwards, indicating something happens subsequent to a specific event or time.
- Used to indicate a time following an event.
- Functions as an adverb for temporal sequence.
- Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
Focus on the sequence of events
Use '过后' to clearly mark the transition between two actions. It helps the listener follow your timeline easily.
Avoid using it for long-term future
Do not use '过后' to refer to a vague future time. Use '以后' for general future references instead.
Common in daily social planning
Chinese speakers often use '过后' to suggest plans after a current activity. It sounds natural and polite.
Examples
4 of 4吃过饭过后，我们去散步。
After we finish eating, let's go for a walk.
会议过后，我们将发布报告。
After the meeting, we will release the report.
过后我再给你打电话。
I will call you afterwards.
实验过后，数据发生了变化。
After the experiment, the data changed.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
议定
A2to decide after discussion, to agree upon
