其后

• Pinyin: qí hòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 其 = 其 (that/its, demonstrative); 后 = 后 (after/behind)

Meaning

Thereafter; after that; subsequently. Indicates events or circumstances that follow what has just been mentioned.

A formal temporal connector used in written Chinese narrative and academic writing. Similar to 此后 but can feel slightly more detached. Rarely used in casual spoken language.

Examples

1. 他于1998年移居海外，其后便很少与国内的朋友联系。 He moved overseas in 1998, and after that he rarely stayed in touch with friends back home.
2. 公司完成战略重组，其后业绩持续回升，前景乐观。 After completing its strategic restructuring, the company’s performance continued to rebound, and the outlook is optimistic.
3. 事件发生其后，相关调查组立即介入展开全面调查。 After the incident occurred, the investigation team immediately stepped in to conduct a full inquiry.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, narrative, writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 条约签订其后，两国关系进入了新的发展阶段。(After the treaty was signed, relations between the two countries entered a new stage of development.)
• 改革实施其后，经济增速显著加快，民众生活水平也随之提升。(After the reform was implemented, economic growth accelerated markedly and living standards rose accordingly.)

Don't Say

• 其后我们去吃饭了 — use 之后/然后 in casual spoken conversation; 其后 sounds overly formal in everyday contexts

Origin & History

其 (that/its) + 后 (after/behind) — after that point

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal