Time Words
以后 vs 之后
after (general future) vs after (specific event)
Comparison / 对比
| 以后 yǐhòu | 之后 zhīhòu | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | General future: from now on | After specific event |
| Standalone | 以后要注意 (in the future) | Rarely standalone |
| After event | 吃饭以后 = 吃饭之后 | Same meaning here |
| Register | Neutral | Slightly more formal |
Examples / 例句
以后: 以后你要更加努力。
In the future, work harder.
之后: 毕业之后，他去了上海工作。
After graduating, he went to Shanghai.
Quick rule: Both mean after [event]. Only 以后 can stand alone meaning in the future. 之后 always needs a preceding event.
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
别再犯同样的错误了。
比赛结束，大家一起去吃饭。
长大你想做什么？
Quick Quiz / 小测验
别再犯同样的错误了。
General future (from now on) → 以后.
比赛结束，大家一起去吃饭。
After specific event → 之后.
长大你想做什么工作？
General future life → 以后.