then
gb/ðˈɛn/ us/ðˈɛn/
A2
English
~ 100
akkor, akkoriban, aztán, majd, ezért, tehát, akkori
A2
1
Usage pattern:
[action] then
Back then, we didn’t have smartphones.
Akkoriban még nem volt okostelefonunk.
I’ll be at work until then.
Addig a munkahelyemen leszek.
Since then, she has moved to another city.
He was just a student then.
Even then, I knew I wanted to travel.
Learner examples
I was young then.
Akkor még fiatal voltam.
We lived in London then.
Akkoriban Londonban éltünk.
She was my teacher then.
They were happy then.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'then' (time) with 'than' (comparison).
Meaning
At that time
Collocations
back then
|since then
|until then
|even then
Synonyms
at that time (More formal and explicit phrase for the same meaning.)
Antonyms
now (Refers to the present moment, not a past or future time.)
Themes
time
|storytelling
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to talk about a time that has been mentioned before, in the past or future.
Refers to a specific time in the past or future being mentioned or implied.
A2
2
Usage pattern:
[do something], then [do something else]
First we had dinner, then we watched a movie.
Először megvacsoráztunk, aztán megnéztünk egy filmet.
He looked at me, then smiled.
Rám nézett, aztán elmosolyodott.
Mix the flour and sugar, then add the eggs.
I’ll call you, then we can decide what to do.
She paused, then continued speaking.
Learner examples
I ate lunch, then I went home.
Megebédeltem, aztán hazamentem.
First wash your hands, then eat.
Először moss kezet, aztán egyél.
He read a book, then slept.
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'after' instead of 'then' in sequences where 'then' is more natural in English storytelling or instructions.
Meaning
Next in order
Collocations
and then
|first… then…
|right then
Synonyms
next (Similar meaning but can also be used as an adjective.)
Antonyms
before (Indicates something happening earlier in sequence.)
Themes
time
|instructions
|storytelling
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to show that one thing happens after another.
Indicates that something happens immediately after another action or event.
B1
3
Usage pattern:
If [condition], then [result]
If you’re ready, then let’s begin.
Ha készen állsz, akkor kezdjük el.
It’s raining, then we should stay inside.
Esik az eső, ezért bent kellene maradnunk.
If she’s not coming, then we’ll have to go without her.
So you agree, then?
If this is true, then our plan will work.
Learner examples
If it rains, then we stay inside.
Ha esik az eső, akkor bent maradunk.
If you are hungry, then eat something.
Ha éhes vagy, akkor egyél valamit.
If it is late, then go to bed.
Common mistake:
Some learners omit 'then' in conditional sentences where it is optional but adds clarity or emphasis in English.
Meaning
As a result; therefore
Collocations
if… then…
|well then
Synonyms
therefore (More formal and often used in writing.)
Antonyms
however (Introduces contrast rather than result.)
Themes
logic
|argumentation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Shows that something is the result of what happened before.
Used to introduce a conclusion or logical result from what has just been said.
B2
4
akkori
B1
Usage pattern:
the then [position/title]
The then president announced new reforms.
Az akkori elnök új reformokat jelentett be.
She was appointed by the then mayor of the city.
A város akkori polgármestere nevezte ki.
The deal was signed by the then CEO.
He worked closely with the then head of marketing.
Learner examples
I met the then leader of the group.
Találkoztam a csoport akkori vezetőjével.
The letter was from the then manager.
A levél az akkori vezetőtől érkezett.
He spoke with the then coach of the team.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'then' with 'former', but 'then' refers specifically to a point in time being discussed.
Meaning
Holding position at that time
Collocations
the then president
|the then manager
Synonyms
former ('Former' means they no longer hold the position; 'then' focuses on the time being referred to.)
Antonyms
current (Refers to someone who holds the position now.)
Themes
history
|politics
|time
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Describes someone’s job or role at a certain time in the past.
Used before a title to indicate the person held that position at the time being referred to.
Grammar
Dictionary form
then
IPA
GB/ðˈɛn/
US/ðˈɛn/
Syllables & stress
then (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (then)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: then
Word family
Related words
therefore
adverb B1
thereafter
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
thence
adverb C1
Expressions
back then
1/bˈæk ðˈɛn/
fixed phrase
At that past time
Used to talk about a time in the past that is different from now.
Examples
- Back then, there were no mobile phones.
- She was shy back then.
even then
1/ˈivən ðˈɛn/
fixed phrase
Despite that time’s conditions
Used to say something was true despite what was happening at that time.
Examples
- It was dangerous, but even then we went ahead.
- Even then, she didn’t give up.
since then
1/sˈɪns ðˈɛn/
fixed phrase
From that time until now
Used to say something has continued from a past time until now.
Examples
- I met her in 2010 and have been friends since then.
- Since then, he has not returned.
until then
1/ʌntˈɪl ðˈɛn/
fixed phrase
Up to that time
Used to talk about a period of time before a specific moment in the future or past.
Examples
- I’ll be here until then.
- Until then, keep practicing.