Japanese word

あとで

Pronunciation

Romajiatode

Meaning

  • adverblater

Example

あとで先生に聞きます。a to de sen sei ni ki ki ma su

I will ask the teacher later.

Illustration for あとで (later)

More examples

この本はあとで読むために、机の上に置いておきます。ko no hon wa a to de yo mu ta me ni tsukue no ue ni o i te o ki ma su

I will leave this book on my desk so I can read it later.

Core concept

It places an action after the present moment or another stated time without fixing exactly when it will happen.

Common phrases

  • あとで読むa to de yo mu

    read later

Similar words

後ほどnochihodo: At a later time, usually soon, and often in polite speech.
そのうちsonouchi: At some unspecified time in the future, often without a firm plan.
いずれizure: At some future time, with the exact time left unstated.

Definition in Japanese

今より後の時に。ima yo ri ato no toki ni

Word origin

The adverb あとで (atode) combines あと (ato, "after, later") with the particle で (de), marking the time when something happens.

Usage tips

  • Unlike すぐに (sugu ni, "immediately"), あとで (atode) leaves the waiting time open, from a short delay to a much later time.

Other meanings

  • afterwardsadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word