1.
after school, after classes
The period of time after classes end for the day. Specifically refers to the time after school dismissal, typically used in the context of elementary through high school.
放課後に友達と遊んだ。
I hung out with friends after school.
放課後は部活の練習がある。
I have club practice after school.
放課後の教室に残って、先生に質問した。
I stayed in the classroom after school and asked the teacher a question.
USAGE:
放課後 specifically refers to the period after school classes end. It is primarily associated with elementary, middle, and high school contexts — not typically used for university. A culturally significant time in Japanese school life, as many students participate in 部活動 (club activities) during this period.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 放課後の教室: the classroom after school
- 放課後に残る: to stay after school
- 放課後の活動: after-school activities