после vs потом

pósle vs potóm — after (a noun/event) vs later/afterwards

What it really means

"После" is usually a preposition meaning "after" and is followed by a noun in the genitive: "после работы" (after work), "после урока" (after the lesson). It can also be part of the adverb "после" meaning later, especially in informal speech.

"Потом" is an adverb meaning "then," "afterwards," or "later." It does not take a noun directly. Use it when the time is understood from context: "Сначала поедим, потом погуляем" (First we will eat, then we will go for a walk).

Examples in natural speech

После работы я иду домой.
I go home after work.
Позвони мне после обеда.
Call me after lunch.
Сначала поедим, потом посмотрим фильм.
First we'll eat, then we'll watch a film.
Я сделаю это потом.
I'll do it later.
После урока встретимся.
We'll meet after the lesson.
Не сейчас — потом.
Not now — later.

Common mistakes

Do not put a noun directly after "потом": "потом работы" is wrong for "after work." Say "после работы." Conversely, "после" needs a clear time reference or genitive phrase; for a standalone "later," use "потом."

Memory tip

"После" needs something after it — после работы, после фильма. "Потом" stands alone: first this, потом that.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between после and потом in Russian?

"После" means after and normally introduces a noun in the genitive: "после работы" (after work). "Потом" means later or afterwards and stands alone: "Я сделаю это потом" (I will do it later).

How do you say after work in Russian?

Say "после работы." The preposition после is followed by the genitive form работы. Do not use "потом" directly before the noun.

How do you say later in Russian?

Use "потом": "Увидимся потом" means "See you later." If you name the event, use после: "Увидимся после работы" (See you after work).

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