The Kanji: 後 (Ato/Nochi/Go/Kō) - The "After" and "Behind" Kanji
The kanji "後" is a complex but essential character representing the concepts of "after," "behind," "later," and "to follow." It is the direct counterpart to "先" (before/ahead).
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: After; behind; later; back; to follow; remainder.
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): あと (ato), のち (nochi), うし.ろ (ushiro), おく.れる (okureru)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ゴ (go), コウ (kō)
Common Words and Compounds:
後で (あとで / ato de) - Later on
後ろ (うしろ / ushiro) - Behind; back
最後 (さいご / saigo) - The last; end
後悔 (こうかい / kōkai) - Regret
午後 (ごご / gogo) - Afternoon
2. Writing and Stroke Order: A Complex Structure
The correct kanji writing for "後" is one of the more complex basic kanji. It consists of the "going slowly" radical (彳) on the left and a complex component on the right.
Stroke Order:
Left Radical (彳 - step):
Stroke 1: Left falling stroke
Stroke 2: Short horizontal stroke
Stroke 3: Vertical stroke
Right Component:
4. Stroke 4: Top horizontal stroke
5. Stroke 5: Vertical折 through the horizontal
6. Stroke 6: Left falling stroke from the vertical
7. Stroke 7: Right falling stroke from the vertical
8. Stroke 8: Bottom left falling stroke
9. Stroke 9: Bottom right falling stroke with hook
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Proportions: The left radical (彳) should be narrow, allowing space for the more complex right component
Component Recognition: Breaking it into the "step" radical (彳) and the remainder helps in memorization
Balance: The character should appear balanced despite its complexity
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "後" vividly illustrates its meaning through ancient imagery.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The original character depicted a foot (止) with a rope (糸) tied to it, representing the idea of being "pulled back," "delayed," or "following behind."
Bronze Script (金文) & Seal Script (篆書):
The form became more stylized, with the "foot" component (夊) becoming more abstract and the "rope" element evolving. The concept remained clear: something being held back or following.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "後" maintains the core structure:
彳 (step radical) - representing movement
The right component combines elements suggesting "to bind" or "restrain"
The combined meaning is "to walk while being restrained" - hence, "falling behind" or "coming after."
Philosophical and Cultural Connection:
"後" embodies important cultural concepts:
Time Sequence: Represents what comes after in time (後で - later)
Spatial Relation: Indicates physical position (後ろ - behind)
Social Hierarchy: Used in contexts of succession and order
Regret: 後悔 (regret) literally means "to regret what comes after"
The character perfectly captures the universal human experience of things that follow, whether in time, space, or consequence.
Summary
The kanji "後" is a character rich with meaning, representing both physical and temporal concepts of "following" and "coming after." Its complex structure reflects its nuanced meanings, from simple spatial relationships to deep emotional states like regret. Mastering its stroke order is challenging but rewarding, as this character appears frequently in daily Japanese. When you learn how to write kanji like "後," you're not just learning a character - you're learning to express fundamental concepts of sequence, position, and consequence that are essential to human experience and Japanese communication.