Translation and Meaning of: 直後 - chokugo

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 直後 (ちょくご). It appears in specific contexts and carries a meaning that can be useful in everyday life. In this article, we will explore what this expression represents, how it is used by Japanese speakers, and in which situations it fits best. Additionally, we will share tips for memorizing it and understanding its role in everyday communication.

Meaning and usage of 直後

The word 直後 (ちょくご) means "immediately after" or "right after." It is composed of the kanji 直 (direct, immediate) and 後 (after), reinforcing the idea of something that happens in sequence, without gaps. This expression is often used to describe events that occur in a short period of time after another, such as in "事故の直後" (right after the accident).

Unlike words like 後で (あとで), which indicate a later time without urgency, 直後 emphasizes temporal proximity. For example, if someone says "会議の直後に電話があった", it means that the phone call came right after the meeting ended, without delay. This detail is important to avoid confusion when constructing sentences.

Common contexts and practical examples

直後 is a versatile word, but it appears more frequently in formal narratives or precise descriptions of events. Newspapers, reports, and even serious conversations may use it to mark the exact sequence of occurrences. A classic example is its use in news: "Immediately after the earthquake, people evacuated."

It is worth noting that, although it is common in writing, it also appears in spoken language when one wants to be specific about time. If you say "食事の直後に歯を磨く" (I brush my teeth right after eating), you are making it clear that there is no gap between the actions. This precision makes it valuable for students who want to express themselves clearly.

Tips for memorizing and avoiding mistakes

An effective way to memorize 直後 is to associate it with everyday situations. Think of activities we do in quick succession, like "waking up and brushing our teeth." Creating flashcards with phrases like "映画が終わった直後" (right after the movie ends) also helps to embed the term in the right context.

A common mistake is to confuse 直後 with すぐ (immediately). While すぐ can be used more generally, 直後 always refers to a specific moment that has already occurred. For example, "彼は到着直後に出かけた" (He left right after arriving) could not be replaced by すぐ, as here the focus is on the completed temporal sequence.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• すぐ後 (sugu ato) - Immediately after
• 直ちに後 (tadachini ato) - Imediatamente depois
• 直ちに次に (tadachini tsugi ni) - Immediately after
• すぐに次に (sugu ni tsugi ni) - Logo em seguida
• すぐ後に (sugu ato ni) - Immediately after
• 直後に (chokugo ni) - Right after, immediately after
• 直ちに後に (tadachini ato ni) - Imediatamente depois
• 直ちに次に (tadachini tsugi ni) - Immediately after