1.
later on, in the future, eventually
A point further in the future, often implying consequences or outcomes that will emerge over time. Emphasizes a longer-term perspective compared to simple あと or のち.
後々困ることになる。
You'll run into trouble later on.
後々のことを考えて決めたほうがいい。
You should decide with the future in mind.
ここで手を抜くと、後々大きな問題になりかねない。
If you cut corners here, it could become a big problem down the road.
USAGE:
後々 emphasizes future consequences more strongly than 後で or 後に. It often carries a cautionary nuance — warning that present actions will have long-term effects. The reduplication of 後 intensifies the sense of distance in time.
GRAMMAR:
Can function as an adverb (後々困る) or as a noun modified by の (後々のことを考える).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 後々困る: to have trouble later on
- 後々のために: for the sake of the future
- 後々まで: far into the future
- 後々後悔する: to regret later