Readings: ゴ・コウ (Onyomi), あと・うしろ・のち (Kunyomi)
Meaning: after, behind, later, back
後 is an essential kanji used in time expressions and spatial relations. You’ll often see it in words like 午後 (afternoon), 後で (later), and 後ろ (behind).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 彳 (step) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 9 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | ゴ・コウ |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | あと・うしろ・のち |
How to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 後 combines the radical 彳 (step) and the phonetic part meaning “to walk behind”. It suggests movement coming after or being behind.
- Start with the 彳 radical (left side)
- Then write the 夂 and the other strokes on the right
Example Sentences
Japanese: 後で電話します。
Kana: あとででんわします。
Romaji: Ato de denwa shimasu.
English: I’ll call you later.
Japanese: 午後に学校へ行きます。
Kana: ごごにがっこうへいきます。
Romaji: Gogo ni gakkou e ikimasu.
English: I’ll go to school in the afternoon.
Japanese: 車の後ろに立たないでください。
Kana: くるまのうしろにたたないでください。
Romaji: Kuruma no ushiro ni tatanai de kudasai.
English: Please don’t stand behind the car.
Vocabulary Using 後
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 後 | あと | after, later |
| 午後 | ごご | afternoon |
| 後ろ | うしろ | behind |
| 最後 | さいご | last, end |
| 後で | あとで | later |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
