後 – Behind, After, Later, Rear (Go / Ato / Ushiro Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 後.
Kanji 後 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
後 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 午後 (gogo – afternoon / PM) and 最後 (saigo – last / end).
Used as a standalone word meaning "after" or "later," such as 後で (ato de – later).
後 Stroke Order – How to Write 後
後 is written with 9 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the step-walk radical (彳) on the left side, followed by the winter/termination components on the right side.
Common Words Using 後 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 後, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 後
See 後 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
後で電話をします。
あとで でんわを します。
Ato de denwa o shimasu.
I will call you later.
家の後ろに庭があります。
いえの うしろに にわが あります。
Ie no ushiro ni niwa ga arimasu.
There is a garden behind the house.
午後に雨が止みました。
ごごに あめが やみました。
Gogo ni ame ga yamimashita.
The rain stopped in the afternoon.
彼は列の最後に並びました。
かれは れつの さいごに ならびました。
Kare wa retsu no saigo ni narabimashita.
He stood at the end of the line.
今後ともよろしくお願いします。
こんごとも よろしく おねがいします。
Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Thank you for your continued support from now on.
Frequently Asked Questions About 後
What does the Kanji 後 mean?
後 means "behind," "after," "later," or "rear." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in temporal expressions (like 午後, PM) and spatial references (like 後ろ, behind).
What are the Onyomi readings of 後?
The Onyomi readings of 後 are ゴ (go) and コウ (kou), as in 午後 (gogo, afternoon/PM) and 後半 (kouhan, second half).
What are the Kunyomi readings of 後?
The Kunyomi readings of 後 include あと (ato, later/after), うしろ (ushiro, behind), and のち (nochi, afterward).
How many strokes does 後 have?
後 is written with 9 strokes.
Is 後 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 後 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji frequently used in daily conversation for time and positioning.
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