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How to Say "after" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “after” is “después” — use 'después' followed by 'de' to indicate something that happens later in time, often referring to an event or activity..

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después

prepositionA1general
Use 'después' followed by 'de' to indicate something that happens later in time, often referring to an event or activity.

Examples

Nos vemos después de la película.

We'll see each other after the movie.

después

conjunctionB1general
Use 'después de que' to connect two clauses or full sentences when the second action happens after the first.

Examples

Me sentí mejor después de que comí.

I felt better after I ate.

tras

/trahs//tɾas/

prepositionA2general
Use 'tras' to indicate sequence, meaning 'one following another' or in quick succession.
A series of three identical, colorful cartoon rabbits walking in a straight line, one immediately following the other, illustrating sequence.

Examples

Los corredores llegaron uno tras otro.

The runners arrived one after another.

Llegaron uno tras otro.

They arrived one after another.

Día tras día, la situación mejoraba.

Day after day, the situation improved.

Año tras año, visitamos la misma playa.

Year after year, we visit the same beach.

tras

/trahs//tɾas/

prepositionB2general
Use 'tras' to indicate pursuit, meaning 'in pursuit of' or 'chasing after' someone or something.
A series of three identical, colorful cartoon rabbits walking in a straight line, one immediately following the other, illustrating sequence.

Examples

El gato saltó tras el ratón.

The cat jumped after the mouse.

Llegaron uno tras otro.

They arrived one after another.

Día tras día, la situación mejoraba.

Day after day, the situation improved.

Año tras año, visitamos la misma playa.

Year after year, we visit the same beach.

Despues vs. Tras

The most common mistake is using 'después' when you mean 'in pursuit of'. Remember that 'tras' is used for chasing or following something, while 'después' refers to something happening later in time or sequence.

Related Translations

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