今後

• Reading: こんご
• Romaji: kongo
• Kanji breakdown: 今 (kon/ima) — now, present; 後 (go/ato) — after, behind, later
• Pronunciation: /koɴ.ɡo/

Meaning

From now on; hereafter; in the future. Refers to the period of time starting from the present.

A noun and adverb frequently used in formal statements, business contexts, and news: 今後の予定 (future plans), 今後ともよろしくお願いします (I look forward to your continued support). More formal and forward-looking than これから, which is more casual and immediate.

Examples

1. 今後の計画について話し合いましょう。 Let's discuss our future plans.
2. 今後はこのようなミスがないように気をつけます。 From now on, I'll be careful to avoid mistakes like this.
3. 今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。 I look forward to your continued support.

Usage Guide

Context: business, announcements, formal speech

Tone: forward-looking

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 今 (kon, now) and 後 (go, after/behind). Literally 'after now,' pointing straightforwardly to the future from the present moment.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal