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GrammarJLPT N2

only after

Expression

Also written as ～て初めて

Definitions

1. only after

This grammatical pattern attaches to the て-form of a verb and expresses the meaning "only after doing something does something else become true." It emphasizes that a certain result or realization could not happen until the preceding action was completed.

Grammar

Grammar lesson content not found for this point.

Example sentences

Sentence 1

The teacher said, "There are some things you only understand by doing."

Sentence 2

"I only realized how much it mattered after I lost it," he said.

Sentence 3

"I only understood after meeting them," they answered.

Sentence 4

"I only got it after going through it myself," she said.

Sentence 5

"I only understood how he felt after actually talking to him."