Meaning and Usage
“此后” means "from this point onward" or "after this" and is used to indicate a time following a specific event or moment. It is often used in formal or written contexts to mark a clear temporal boundary.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 此后 in narratives, reports, or instructions to denote what happens after a particular event. It can replace simpler words like "以后" when a more formal tone is desired.
Collocations and Patterns
- 此后 + verb phrase: Indicates actions or states starting from that time.
- 会议结束此后: "after the meeting ends" — used to specify timing in formal settings.
Usage Notes
此后 is more formal than 以后 and is typically used in writing or formal speech. It emphasizes the point in time after which something changes or begins. Avoid mixing it with casual speech where 以后 is more natural.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 此后 with 之后. 此后 often implies a continuous period following the event, while 之后 can simply mean "after" without that ongoing nuance.