JLPT N5 Grammar – Difference between “〜あとで” and “〜てから”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜あとで” and “〜てから”
2. AあとでB
3. AてからB
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “〜あとで” and “〜てから”?
A: “AあとでB” indicates a temporal relationship between two actions — it shows that the second action (B) takes place after the first action (A) has finished.
On the other hand, “AてからB” expresses a sequential or dependent relationship, emphasizing that the first action (A) must be completely finished before moving on to the second action (B).
AあとでB (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
Indicates the temporal order of events — action B takes place after action A has been completed
[Rule]
[V] Verb past form + あとで
[N] Noun + の + あとで
[Examples]
大阪に行ったあとで、京都に行きます。
After going to Osaka, I will go to Kyoto.
夕飯のあとで、デザートを食べます。
After dinner, I will eat dessert.
社長と話したあとで、うちに帰りました。
After talking with the company president, I went home.
A refers to the action done first, and B refers to the action done afterward.
It is used to express a simple sequence of actions in terms of time.
[Examples]
食事のあとで、いつもさんぽします。
After a meal, I always take a walk.
⇒ First, you have the meal, and then you take a walk.
映画を見たあとで、コーヒーでも飲みにいきましょう。
After watching a movie, let’s go have some coffee.
夕飯を食べたあとで、この薬を飲んでください。
After eating dinner, please take this medicine.
AてからB (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
Indicates the sequence or procedure of actions — action B takes place after completing action A
[Rule]
[V] Verb て form + から
[Examples]
銀行に行ってお金をおろしてから、買い物に行きます。
After going to the bank and withdrawing money, I will go shopping.
日本では先に切符を買ってから乗車します。
In Japan, people buy a ticket first and then board the train.
部長に許可をもらってから、計画を進めなければなりません。
After getting permission from the manager, we must proceed with the plan.
A indicates what must be done first or what must definitely be done, placing emphasis on action A.
There is a continuous and dependent relationship between A and B — B cannot happen unless A is completed.
[Examples]
まず名前を書いてから、答えを書いてください。
First, write your name, and then write your answers.
⇒ The first thing you must do is write your name.
必ず使用してもよいか確認してから、会議室を使ってください。
Please make sure you have permission before using the meeting room.
みんなが集まってから、パーティを始めましょう。
Let’s start the party after everyone has gathered.
[Note]
Only the te-form of verbs can be used in the A part of “AてからB.”
It cannot be used with nouns, and する verbs must take the form “〜して.”
[Examples]
〇 勉強してから遊びに行きます。
× 勉強てから遊びに行きます。
I will go out to play after studying.
Let’s Compare
The following two sentences are both natural, but their nuances differ.
[Example]
手を洗ったあとでごはんを食べましょう。
手を洗ってからごはんを食べましょう。
“AあとでB” expresses a temporal sequence between A and B, giving a softer overall impression. On the other hand, “AてからB” emphasizes order and necessity — that B occurs only after A has been completed. Therefore, “手を洗ってからごはんを食べましょう” conveys a stronger sense of “You must wash your hands before eating.”
Now, consider the following examples. Which sounds more natural?
[Example]
① 日本ではくつを脱いだあとで、家に入ります。
② 日本ではくつを脱いでから、家に入ります。
The correct choice is ②.
In Japan, taking off one’s shoes is an essential action before entering a house, and “taking off shoes” and “entering the house” are continuous actions.
For this reason, “てから” sounds more natural here.
In summary:
“あとで” → indicates a temporal relationship (a looser connection)
“てから” → indicates order or procedure (a stronger sense of continuity and necessity)
Keeping this distinction in mind makes it easier to use them correctly.
Summary
[AあとでB]
- Expresses the temporal order of events—B happens after A is completed.
- “AあとでB” shows a weaker sense of continuity or dependency, and can be used even when there is a slight time gap between the two actions.
[AてからB]
- Indicates the sequence or procedure of actions—B takes place only after A has been fully completed.
- It emphasizes that A must occur first, highlighting a dependent and continuous relationship between A and B.
Similer Articles
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