1.
added later, retrofitted, after-the-fact
Something attached, added, or devised after the original was completed. Can refer to physical additions (equipment, parts) or abstract ones (explanations, reasons). Often carries a nuance that the addition is not as natural or convincing as something planned from the start.
それは後付けの理由だろう。
That's an after-the-fact excuse, isn't it?
後付けで説明をつけるのは簡単だ。
It's easy to come up with an explanation after the fact.
この建物のエレベーターは後付けで設置されたものだ。
The elevator in this building was retrofitted after construction.
USAGE:
When used about reasoning or explanations, 後付け implies the justification was constructed after the decision was already made, suggesting it may not be genuine. When used about physical objects, it simply means something was added to an existing structure or device.
GRAMMAR:
Used as a noun (後付けで, as a retrofit) or as a の-adjective (後付けの理由, an after-the-fact reason).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 後付けの理由: an after-the-fact reason
- 後付けの説明: a retrofitted explanation
- 後付けで設置する: to install as a retrofit