1.
immediately after, right after
The moment or period directly following an event.
直後 means the moment or very short period immediately following an event. It emphasizes how soon after — there is no gap.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- noun + 直後: 事故直後 (immediately after the accident)
- verb た-form + 直後: 食べた直後 (right after eating)
- の直後: 出発の直後 (right after departure)
CONTRAST:
- 直前: immediately before (the opposite)
- すぐ後: right after (slightly more casual)
- 後: after (general, no emphasis on immediacy)
USAGE:
Common in news, instructions, and descriptions of sequences. Often used to highlight cause-and-effect relationships or sudden changes.