往后

• Pinyin: wǎng hòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 往 = 彳 (step) + 主 (master); 后 = depicts a person of rank behind another

Meaning

From now on; in the future; afterward. Indicates time moving forward from the present.

Used to refer to future time or to continue in a direction. Can mean 'from this point forward' in time or 'backward' in physical direction (depending on context). Common in both spoken and written Chinese for making plans or predictions.

Examples

1. 往后我会更加努力工作，不让大家失望。 From now on, I will work harder and not let everyone down.
2. 往后的日子还长，不要太着急。 There's still a long road ahead; don't be too anxious.
3. 这件事情往后再说吧，现在先解决眼前的问题。 Let's talk about this matter later. For now, let's solve the immediate problem first.

Usage Guide

Context: planning, everyday, promises

Tone: forward-looking

Do Say

• 往后要注意身体。(Take care of your health from now on.)
• 往后的事情以后再说。(Let's talk about future matters later.)

Don't Say

• 往后退一步 — 这里往后是空间方向，意思是'向后'，不是时间概念

Origin & History

Compound of 往 (toward, going) + 后 (after, behind). When referring to time, means 'toward the future'; can also mean 'toward the back' spatially.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal