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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "in the future" with 以后 (yǐhòu) in a clause

    HSK 2
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    以后 + Subject + Predicate

    Explanation

    以后 can introduce a clause about future intentions or plans, functioning as a sentence connector meaning "from now on" or "later on." In this usage it sets a forward-looking time frame for the entire statement that follows. It is extremely common in everyday conversation.

    Examples

    • 毕业以后，你打算做什么？

      Bìyè yǐhòu, nǐ dǎsuàn zuò shénme?

      After graduation, what do you plan to do?

    • 吃完饭以后，我们去散散步吧。

      Chī wán fàn yǐhòu, wǒmen qù sàn san bù ba.

      After we finish eating, let's go for a walk.

    • 下班以后我一般去健身房锻炼。

      Xiàbān yǐhòu wǒ yìbān qù jiànshēnfáng duànliàn.

      After work, I usually go to the gym to exercise.

    Expressing "in the future" with 以后 (yǐhòu) in a clause | Chinese Grammar