Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'after' with 后 (hòu)

    Sequence & Order
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Event/Time + 后

    Explanation

    The word 后 (hòu) means 'after,' 'behind,' or 'later' and is used to indicate sequence in time or position. When placed after a time expression or event, it means 'after that event.' For example, 赛季后 means 'after the season.'

    Examples

    • 考试后我们一起去吃饭吧。

      Kǎoshì hòu wǒmen yìqǐ qù chīfàn ba.

      Let's go eat together after the exam.

    • 毕业后她去了上海工作。

      Bìyè hòu tā qù le Shànghǎi gōngzuò.

      After graduating, she went to Shanghai to work.

    • 下课后你有空吗？

      Xiàkè hòu nǐ yǒu kòng ma?

      Are you free after class?

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With