Looking up...
後で
ato de
later
後で電話します。
I'll call you later.
informal
at a later time; afterwards
宿題は後でやります。
I'll do my homework later.
後で会いましょう。
Let's meet later.
Used to indicate an action will happen after the current time or another specified time. Often follows a verb in the present tense.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 後で vs 後に
後で is used for actions that will happen at some unspecified later time. 後に is used when specifying a particular time or sequence (e.g., 3時後に 'three hours later'). 後に can also mean 'after' in a more formal or literary context.
Gold Rule
Position in sentence
後で typically appears at the end of a sentence or clause, or before the verb it modifies. It does not require a particle like に when used adverbially.
Word Origin
Composed of the noun 後 (あと, 'after', 'later') and the particle で (de), which marks the adverbial use of the noun. The particle で here functions as a suffix indicating manner or time.
Usage Notes
後で is the most common and natural way to say 'later' in casual conversation. It can be used with or without a verb, unlike some synonyms like 後に which often require a verb. It is less formal than 後ほど (nochihodo) but more natural than 後に in everyday speech.
Word Breakdown
後
after; later
nounで
adverbial particle indicating manner/time
particle和英辞典