Time WordsHSK 5
Comparing 以后 and 之后
以后 is used after a time or event to mean 'after,' but it almost always requires a specific reference. Without stating when, the sentence is incomplete.
之后 also means 'after,' but it is more flexible. It can sometimes appear without an explicit time, like 'afterwards,' making it handy when the context is clear.
Structure
Specified Time / Event + 以后 + ...
requires an explicit preceding time or event
Time / Event + 之后 + ...
can sometimes omit the time reference when context is clear
Examples
- 下过雨以后空气会好很多。Xià guo yǔ yǐhòu kōngqì huì hǎo hěn duō.After it rains, the air will be a lot better.
- 结婚之后他们有了两个宝宝。Jiéhūn zhīhòu tāmen yǒu le liǎng gè bǎobao.After getting married, they had two babies.
- 等我涨工资以后请你吃饭。Děng wǒ zhǎng gōngzī yǐhòu qǐng nǐ chīfàn.After I get a raise, I will treat take you out to eat.
- 听到这个消息之后，我高兴得一晚上没睡。Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi zhīhòu , wǒ gāoxìng de yī wǎnshang méi shuì.After I heard this news, I was so happy I couldn't sleep the whole night.