Meaning
以后 is one of the most fundamental time words in Mandarin, indicating a point or period after a reference time. It can mean 'after (something happens)', 'from now on', or simply 'in the future'. It's the natural opposite of 以前 (before) and is essential for talking about future plans or sequencing events.
Usage
Native speakers use 以后 both as a standalone time word meaning 'in the future' (今后, 以后再说) and after another time expression or clause to mean 'after X' (吃饭以后, 毕业以后). It commonly appears at the beginning of sentences for emphasis. Very frequent in everyday conversation across all registers.
Examples
- 01吃完饭以后我们去看电影吧。.After we finish eating, let's go watch a movie.
- 02以后我想当医生。.In the future, I want to become a doctor.
Characters
Common collocations
- 从今以后from now on
- ...以后...after...
- 以后再说we'll talk about it later
- 今后from now on, henceforth
Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'by means of what comes after' or 'taking the后 (later/after) position'. The character 以 serves as a grammatical marker, while 后 carries the core temporal meaning of 'after/behind'.