How to say "afterwards" in Japanese

• のちJLPT N3approx.Common
  adverb, no-adjectiveThe common, everyday word for 'afterwards' or 'later', and the safest default when you simply mean that something happens at a later time; it is usually written using kana alone.
  船ふねが沈没ちんぼつしてしまってのち、船ふねの残骸ざんがいが引き上ひきあげられた。↗

  The wreckage of the ship was salvaged after it had gone to Davy Jones's locker.
• 後ほどのちほど
  adverb, nounA less common equivalent of 'later on; eventually; afterwards'. Since it is not a common word, のち is usually the safer choice when you simply mean 'afterwards'.
  彼かれは彼女かのじょに、後のちほど電話でんわをかけてくれと頼たのんだ。↗

  He asked her to call him later.
• アーフタワーズ
  nounEssentially the English word written in katakana rather than a natural Japanese equivalent; it is seldom the word you want for 'afterwards', and のち is the safer choice.
• 後になってあとになって
  expressionCovers 'afterwards' as 'at a later time, after some time has passed', with the lapse of time built into the phrase. It is less common, and のち will usually serve for plain 'afterwards'.
  後あとになって、クリスは自分じぶんの行おこないを恥はずかしく思おもい、彼女かのじょに謝あやまると、ベスは彼かれを許ゆるしてくれました。↗

  Later Chris felt ashamed and apologized, and Beth forgave him.
• 後刻ごこく
  noun, adverbA compact, less common equivalent of 'later on; afterwards'. Because it is not a common word, のち or 後ほど is normally the better choice for learners.

Use 「のち」 as the common default for plain 'afterwards'; 「後ほど」 and 後刻 are less common alternatives for 'later on'; 「後になって」 stresses that some time has passed; 「アーフタワーズ」 is a marginal katakana borrowing.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• のちlater
• 後ほどのちほどlater on
• アーフタワーズafterwards
• 後になってあとになってafterwards
• 後刻ごこくlater on
• その後そのあとafter that
• 後であとでlater (on)
• 追っておってlater on