以后 (yǐhòu) — after / in the future / from now on
HSK 3 | noun / adverb | time reference word for events after a stated point
以后 (yǐhòu)
A time reference word meaning "after" a specific point in time, or "in the future / from now on" when used without a reference. Always refers to time later than the reference point.
Meanings
- [noun/adverb] After (a specific time), following.
- [noun/adverb] In the future, from now on, later.
Example Sentences
下课以后，我们去喝咖啡吧。 Xià kè yǐhòu, wǒmen qù hē kāfēi ba. After class, let's go drink coffee.
以后我想住在海边。 Yǐhòu wǒ xiǎng zhù zài hǎibiān. In the future, I want to live by the sea.
毕业以后，他找到了一份好工作。 Bìyè yǐhòu, tā zhǎodào le yī fèn hǎo gōngzuò. After graduating, he found a good job.
以后我会更加努力。 Yǐhòu wǒ huì gèngjiā nǔlì. From now on I will work even harder.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 以后的事 | future matters |
| 吃饭以后 | after eating |
| 以后再说 | let's talk about it later |
| 毕业以后 | after graduation |
| 以后不要 | don't ... in the future |
Memory Hook
以 marks a boundary and 后 means "back/after" — everything behind that boundary lies in the future or what follows.