後: the kanji for after and behind
後 is a JLPT N5 kanji that means after, behind. Below are its readings, 14 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
後 is written in 9 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
後 has 6 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 14 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ゴ (go)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 午後ごご · gogo | p.m.; afternoon |
| 最後さいご · saigo | last; the end |
| 今後こんご · kongo | from now on |
| 後日ごじつ · gojitsu | at a later date |
| 前後ぜんご · zengo | around; before and after |
| 食後しょくご · shokugo | after meals |
コウ (kou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 後半こうはん · kōhan | the second half |
| 後輩こうはい · kōhai | junior (colleague) |
| 後悔こうかい · kōkai | regret |
| 後者こうしゃ · kōsha | the latter |
うしろ (ushiro)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 後ろうしろ · ushiro | back; behind |
あと (ato)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 後あと · ato | after; later |
| 後回しあとまわし · atomawashi | putting off |
おくれる (okureru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 後れるおくれる · okureru | to fall behind |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 午後三時に伺います。Gogo sanji ni ukagaimasu.I'll visit you at 3 p.m.
- 最後に質問はありますか。Saigo ni shitsumon wa arimasu ka.Do you have any final questions?
- 後輩に仕事を教えています。Kōhai ni shigoto o oshiete imasu.I'm teaching the job to a junior colleague.
- 後で電話します。Ato de denwa shimasu.I'll call you later.
- 後ろの席に座ってください。Ushiro no seki ni suwatte kudasai.Please sit in the back.
- 食後に薬を飲みます。Shokugo ni kusuri o nomimasu.I take medicine after meals.
Questions about 後
How many strokes does 後 have?
後 is written in 9 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 後?
The on readings are go (ゴ), kou (コウ). The kun readings are nochi (のち), ushiro (うしろ), ato (あと), okureru (おくれる).
What is the difference between 先輩 and 後輩?
先輩 (senpai) is someone who joined a company or school before you. 後輩 (kōhai) is someone who joined after you.
What JLPT level is 後?
N5. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N5 is designed to match the former Level 4.
More JLPT N5 kanji
Days and time
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 後
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.