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después means after — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 10, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

después

adverb • /[des-PWES]/

after

Example:

Vamos a cenar y después al cine.

Let's go to dinner and after that to the movies.

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🧠 What does después mean?

Después is a common Spanish adverb primarily meaning 'after' or 'afterward.' It indicates something happening at a later time. It can refer to a specific time, event, or simply a general 'later.' You'll encounter this word frequently in both spoken and written Spanish.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después de la película, vamos a comer.
    After the movie, we're going to eat.
  • Lo haré después.
    I'll do it later.
  • Primero el trabajo, después la diversión.
    First work, then fun.
  • Después de todo, tenía razón.
    After all, he/she was right.
  • Nos vemos después.
    See you later.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'after' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'after' in Spanish is 'después'.
How do you pronounce 'después' in Spanish?
It's pronounced des-PWES, with the stress on the second syllable. Think of it rhyming with 'guess' with a 'des' at the beginning.
How do you use 'después' in a sentence?
'Después' usually follows a verb, as in 'Comemos después' (We eat later). It can also follow a preposition, as in 'Después de la cena' (After dinner).
What is the English translation of 'después'?
The primary translation is 'after' or 'later,' but depending on context, it can sometimes mean 'then,' 'afterward,' 'next,' or even 'after all.'
Does 'después' change for gender or number?
No, 'después' is an adverb and does not change its form.
Is 'después' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'después' is extremely common and a fundamental word to know.
Does 'después' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. It's a very straightforward word.
Is 'después' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, its meaning and usage are consistent across Spanish-speaking regions.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "después"

Synonyms: luego, más tarde
Opposites: antes, previamente

💡 Did You Know?

While 'después de' is usually followed by a noun, it can also be followed by an infinitive verb, as in 'Después de comer' (After eating).

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