L31. Day 31 — 後

Days 31-40

R-report

[Day 31] 後 - after / behind

The kanji 後 conveys ideas of "after," "later," and physical "behind." You'll see it in time expressions (like 午後 for afternoon) and position words (like 後ろ for behind). It appears both alone as a noun/adverb (後 — あと) and in many compounds. Readings: On'yomi and Kun'yomi are both commonly used; On'yomi appears in compound words for time, while Kun'yomi is used for native expressions and location. Mnemonic tip: imagine the right side of the character pushing something to the back — it helps you remember "after / behind."

Readings

On'yomi: **ゴ** (go) Kun'yomi: **あと** (ato), **うしろ** (ushiro), **あとで** (atode)

Related words

• 後（あと / ato） — after; later. - 仕事の**後で**、散歩します。 (Shigoto no ato de, sanpo shimasu. — I'll take a walk after work.)

• 後ろ（うしろ / ushiro） — behind; rear. - 自転車の**後ろ**に子どもが乗っている。 (Jitensha no ushiro ni kodomo ga notte iru. — A child is riding on the back of the bicycle.)

• 後で（あとで / atode） — later; afterwards. - **後で**電話します。 (Atode denwa shimasu. — I'll call you later.)

• 午後（ごご / gogo） — afternoon; P.M. - **午後**三時に会いましょう。 (Gogo sanji ni aimashō. — Let's meet at 3 P.M.)

• その後（そのご / sonogo） — after that; thereafter. - 映画を見て、**その後**食事に行った。 (Eiga o mite, sonogo shokuji ni itta. — We saw a movie and went to eat afterward.)