vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Más tarde" is a phrase which is often translated as "later", and "después" is an adverb which is often translated as "after". Learn more about the difference between "más tarde" and "después" below.
más tarde(
mahs
 
tahr
-
deh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. later
Te llamaré más tarde.I'll call you later.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
después(
dehs
-
pwehs
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. after
Llamé a mis papás justo después de comprometerme.I called my parents just after getting engaged.
b. later
Iré de compras después pero ahora tengo que estudiar.I'll go shopping later but now I have to study.
c. afterwards
¿Podemos ir al parque después? Ahora quiero descansar.Can we go to the park afterwards? I want to rest now.
d. afterward
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
Paco comenzó a tener diferencias de opinión con los otros socios, y poco después abandonó la firma.Paco started having disagreements with the other partners, and he left the firm not long afterward.
a. then
¿Y después qué pasó?And then what happened?
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.