затем vs после этого
zatem vs posle etogo — then/thereafter vs after that
Register: neutral / formal
What it really means
Затем is a compact sequencing adverb meaning “then” or “thereafter,” common in instructions, narratives, and formal exposition. После этого is a transparent prepositional phrase meaning “after this/that,” explicitly referring back to an event and requiring the genitive form этого. Затем can sequence without repeating a noun; после этого makes the reference more visible.
Examples in natural speech
Сначала подпишите форму, затем отправьте её.
First sign the form, then send it.
Он позвонил и затем приехал.
He called and then came over.
После этого мы вернулись домой.
After that, we returned home.
Прочитайте текст; затем ответьте на вопросы.
Read the text; thereafter answer the questions.
После этого разговора всё изменилось.
After that conversation, everything changed.
Common mistakes
Do not write «за тем» when you mean the sequencing adverb; «за тем» is a preposition plus pronoun in a different construction. Do not omit the reference after «после этого», and do not use затем when a clear explicit backward reference is needed.
Memory tip
Затем advances the sequence; после этого points back to the event just named.
Frequently asked questions
Is затем more formal than после этого?
Often slightly more written or procedural, but both are neutral and common; после этого is more explicit and conversationally transparent.
Why is после этого followed by genitive?
После is a preposition governing the genitive, so «этого» is the genitive form of этот.
What is the difference between затем and потом?
They can both mean “then,” but потом is more conversational and can also mean “later”; затем often presents orderly continuation.
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