之后 (zhīhòu)

之后 means "after" or "afterwards." It marks a point in time that comes after a specific event, action, or moment. It follows a noun, verb phrase, or clause that identifies the reference point.

Meanings

[adverb] After; afterwards; following — indicates that the main action or event takes place after the stated reference point.

Compare 之后 vs 以后

Word	Usage
之后	Slightly more formal; always requires a preceding reference point (event or time)
以后	Can stand alone meaning "in the future" or follow a reference point

Example Sentences

吃饭之后，我们去散步吧。 Chīfàn zhīhòu, wǒmen qù sànbù ba. After eating, let's go for a walk.

毕业之后，他去了一家大公司工作。 Bìyè zhīhòu, tā qù le yī jiā dà gōngsī gōngzuò. After graduating, he went to work at a large company.

会议结束之后，大家都回家了。 Huìyì jiéshù zhīhòu, dàjiā dōu huí jiā le. After the meeting ended, everyone went home.

三个月之后，他的中文有了很大的进步。 Sān gè yuè zhīhòu, tā de Zhōngwén yǒu le hěn dà de jìnbù. After three months, his Chinese improved greatly.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
此后	after this; hereafter (formal)
…之后不久	not long after…
完成之后	after completing
到达之后	after arriving
放学之后	after school

Memory Hook

之 is a classical possessive/linking particle. 后 means "behind / after." 之后 = "after [what was] mentioned" — standing behind the reference event, looking forward.