seejärel

Seejärel is the Estonian adverb meaning “afterwards” or “subsequently.” It functions to mark a sequence of events in time or to indicate what happens next in a narrative, description, or instruction. Seejärel is invariable and is typically placed after a clause to connect it with the following action or statement, or used to start a new clause that continues the sequence.

Etymology and usage: Seejärel is a compound formed from see (“that”) and järel (“after/behind”). It is a common transitional word in both formal and informal Estonian, especially in written texts such as reports, manuals, procedures, and journalistic writing, but it also appears in everyday speech when describing steps or events in order.

Examples:

- Kõik materjalid kontrolliti; seejärel hakati koostama aruannet. Translation: All materials were checked; afterwards the report began to be drafted.

- Ta lõpetas kõne, seejärel lahkus ruumist. Translation: He finished the speech; afterwards he left the room.

- Esimeses etapis koostati plaan, seejärel viidi see ellu. Translation: In the first stage a plan was made, then it was implemented.

Seejärel is often used to organize information clearly and to guide the reader through sequential actions or events. It can be contrasted with other sequence markers such as “algselt” (originally) or “esimesena” (first).