Translation and Meaning of: 以後 - igo

If you've ever wondered how to say "after that" or "from then on" in Japanese, the word 以後 (いご) is the answer. This expression is essential for marking moments in time, whether in everyday conversations or in formal texts. In this article, you will discover the etymology, practical use, and even tips for memorizing this term effectively. Additionally, since Suki Nihongo is the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also find example sentences here to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition systems.

The kanji 以後 has an interesting history, and its meaning goes beyond just a simple translation. Does it appear in any mangas or animes you've seen? Or does it have a more formal use, like in documents? Let's explore all of this, including how the Japanese actually use this word in everyday life. If you want to avoid common mistakes and understand when to use いご correctly, keep reading!

Etymology and Composition of 以後

The word 以後 is formed by two kanjis: 以 (い), which carries the idea of "from" or "after," and 後 (ご), meaning "after" or "behind." Together, they create a sense of temporal continuity, like a milestone that divides the before and after. It's no wonder that this construction appears in contexts requiring precision, such as transport schedules or legal deadlines.

Interestingly, the kanji 以 also appears in other temporal words, such as 以前 (いぜん - before) and 以降 (いこう - after). This family of terms shows how Japanese organizes time in a logical way. If you have already studied these vocabulary words, you will notice that 以後 fits perfectly into this system, being a key piece to express sequences of events.

Practical Use in Japanese Daily Life

In daily life, Japanese people use 以後 both in speech and writing, but with an important nuance: it tends to sound more formal than alternatives like これから. For example, in train announcements, you might read 以後の電車 (いごのでんしゃ - the trains from now on), indicating the following schedules. In casual conversations, it is more common to hear expressions like これから or それから.

A common mistake among students is using 以後 in informal situations, which can sound strange or even pretentious. Imagine saying "henceforth" instead of "from now on" in Portuguese – the idea is the same, but the impact is different. On the other hand, in professional emails or documents, いご is the perfect choice to indicate changes in procedures or future deadlines.

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

An effective way to reinforce 以後 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of a notice at work: 以後、このドアは使えません (From now on, this door cannot be used). Visualizing this type of context helps to memorize not only the meaning but also the appropriate tone. Another tip is to create flashcards with real sentences, such as station announcements or instruction manuals.

How about a mnemonic trick? The kanji 後 looks like a person walking backwards (the radical on the left represents "to go," and the upper component suggests movement). Meanwhile, 以 resembles a badge hanging on a hook – something that marks a starting point. Combining these images, you create a story: "From this badge (以), go backwards in time (後)." It may sound silly, but it works!