Onyomi 音読み

Kunyomi 訓読み

Explanation

After, behind

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Kanji Story

Imagine a person walking behind another person. The person in front represents the 'before' or 'past', while the person walking behind represents the 'after' or 'future'. This visualizes the meaning of '後' as 'after' or 'behind'.

Frequency in JLPT exams

The kanji '後' is a foundational character frequently encountered in JLPT materials, especially at the N5 and N4 levels. Its meanings related to time and sequencing make it important to understand for both kanji and reading comprehension sections of the exam.

Example Sentences

• 彼は私の後に来ました。

  He came after me.

  かれはわたしののちにきました。

  kare wa watashi no nochi ni kimashita.

  Pronunciation

• 昼ごはんの後、コーヒーを飲んで休みます。

  After lunch, I will drink coffee and take a break.

  ひるごはんののち、こーひーをのんでやすみます。

  hiru gohan no nochi, koohii o nonde yasumimasu.

  Pronunciation

• 試験の後、友達と遊びに行きました。

  After the exam, I went to hang out with my friends.

  しけんののち、ともだちとあそびにいきました。

  shiken no nochi, tomodachi to asobi ni ikimashita.

  Pronunciation

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

• The kanji '後' is frequently used in various contexts, especially in expressing the concept of 'after' or 'behind'.
• Pay attention to the different readings and their meanings. For example, '後' as 'nochi' refers to something happening 'later' or 'in the future'.
• Practice writing the kanji to remember its stroke order, which can help in reading comprehension sections of the JLPT.
• Be familiar with compound words using '後' as they often involve concepts of time or sequence.

Usage in Japanese Names

• Names like '石川後' (Ishikawa Ushiro) or '高後' (Tako) use the kanji '後'. It's a less common kanji in names, but can symbolize characteristics like being strong-willed or persevering even when faced with challenges.