後

• Reading: あと
• Romaji: ato
• Kanji breakdown: 後 (ato/go/ushiro/nochi) — after, behind, later
• Pronunciation: /a.to/

Meaning

After; later; behind; remaining. Refers to what comes after in time or space.

Has multiple readings: あと (after, remaining), うしろ (behind, back), のち (later, afterwards), ご (suffix for after). As あと, it is used in expressions like 後で (ato de, later), 後五分 (ato go-fun, five more minutes). Extremely versatile and high-frequency.

Examples

1. 後で電話してもいいですか。 Can I call you later?
2. あと十分で着きます。 We'll arrive in ten more minutes.
3. 食事の後に薬を飲んでください。 Please take the medicine after your meal.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, time expressions, instructions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 後 combines 彳 (step) and elements suggesting delayed movement, conveying the idea of coming behind or afterwards.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal