Translation and Meaning of: 午後 - gogo

The Japanese word 午後[ごご] is essential for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "afternoon," but there are interesting nuances in its everyday use, writing, and origin. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to how this word is perceived in daily life by the Japanese.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, we will see contexts in which 午後 appears, its frequency in conversations, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you have ever wondered why the Japanese use this word so much or how to differentiate it from similar terms, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and origin of 午後

午後 is composed of two kanji: 午, which means "noon" or "horse" (in the Chinese zodiac), and 後, which indicates "after" or "behind." Together, they form the idea of "after noon," which is exactly what the word represents. This logical construction makes it easier for language learners to understand.

Historically, the term emerged during the Meiji era when Japan adopted the Western time system. Before that, the Japanese used divisions of the day based on natural periods, such as "morning," "afternoon," and "night." With modernization, 午後 became the standard way to refer to the period between noon and dusk.

Everyday and cultural use

In Japan, 午後 is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. You will find it in schedules, TV programs, work hours, and even in public announcements. For example, it is common to see written 午後3時 (ごごさんじ) to indicate "15 o'clock" or "3 in the afternoon."

Culturally, the Japanese are very precise about time, and 午後 helps to avoid ambiguities. Unlike Portuguese, where "afternoon" can refer to a broader period, in Japanese this word clearly defines the time after noon. This precision reflects the value placed on punctuality in Japanese society.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 午後 is to associate the first kanji (午) with lunchtime. Since it represents noon, it's easy to understand that 午後 is what comes after. The second kanji (後) appears in other temporal words, such as 後で (あとで - "later"), which reinforces its meaning.

Interestingly, 午後 has a counterpart: 午前 (ごぜん), which means "morning" or "before noon". This duality is useful for expanding vocabulary. It's worth mentioning that, although 午後 is common, in casual conversations, Japanese people sometimes use just 午 (ご) to abbreviate, especially in clear contexts, like "ご3時".

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 午後 (gogo) - After noon
• 午後の部分 (gogo no bubun) - Afternoon part
• 午後の時間 (gogo no jikan) - Afternoon time
• 午後の時刻 (gogo no jikoku) - Afternoon moment
• 午後の期間 (gogo no kikan) - Afternoon period
• 午後の間 (gogo no aida) - Afternoon break
• 午後のあいだ (gogo no aida) - In the afternoon
• 午後の後半 (gogo no kohan) - Last part of the afternoon
• 午後の後半部分 (gogo no kohan bubun) - Late afternoon
• 午後の後半時間 (gogo no kohan jikan) - Late afternoon time
• 午後の後半時刻 (gogo no kohan jikoku) - Late afternoon moment
• 午後の後半期間 (gogo no kohan kikan) - Late afternoon period
• 午後の後半間 (gogo no kohan aida) - Late afternoon interval
• 午後の終わり (gogo no owari) - End of the afternoon
• 午後の終わり部分 (gogo no owari bubun) - Late afternoon
• 午後の終わり時間 (gogo no owari jikan) - Late afternoon time
• 午後の終わり時刻 (gogo no owari jikoku) - Evening moment
• 午後の終わり期間 (gogo no owari kikan) - Late afternoon period
• 午後の終わり間 (gogo no owari aida) - Late afternoon break
• 午後の終わりあいだ (gogo no owari aida) - Between late afternoon

午後

Romaji: gogo
Kana: ごご
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: afternoon; P.M.; PM

Meaning in English: afternoon;p.m.;pm

Definition: period of time between day and night. The period from 12:00 to 12:00, when the morning changes to the afternoon.