Japanese symbol for “latter”
後者
こうしゃ
Romaji: kousha
the latter; the second
In Japanese, latter is 後者, read こうしゃ (kousha).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n the latter; the second
- n successor; descendant
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “latter”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 乙 | おつ otsu | (the) second (party, rank, etc.); B (grade); the latter |
| 後件 | こうけん kouken | (the) latter; following matter |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 最後 | さいご saigo | end; conclusion |
| 今後 | こんご kongo | from now on; hereafter |
| 午後 | ごご gogo | afternoon; p.m. |
| 後半 | こうはん kouhan | second half; latter half |
| 後ろ | うしろ ushiro | back; behind; rear |
| 直後 | ちょくご chokugo | immediately following |
| 患者 | かんじゃ kanja | patient |
| 記者 | きしゃ kisha | reporter; journalist |
See also: Chinese symbol for “latter”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.