Be after Meaning in English
expression
ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈæftɝ
bee AF-ter
bˈiː/ /ˈɑːftɐ
bee AHF-tuh
Definition
To want to get something, to be looking for someone, or to be trying to achieve or catch someone or something.
Usage & Nuances
'Be after' is informal; often used for intentions, desires ('He's after a new job'), or pursuit ('The police are after him'). Do not confuse with 'look after' (take care of). Common in spoken English.
Spanish: buscar - andar detrás de - querer conseguirPortuguese (BR): procurar - estar atrás de - querer obterPortuguese (PT): andar atrás de - procurar - querer conseguirChinese (Simplified): 想要得到 - 追求 - 正在找Chinese (Traditional): 想要得到 - 追求 - 正在找Hindi: के पीछे होना - हासिल करना चाहनाArabic: يسعى إلى - يلاحق - يريد الحصول علىBengali: চাইছে - খুঁজছে - পৌঁছাতে চায়Russian: охотиться за - добиватьсяJapanese: 狙っている - 探しているVietnamese: đang muốn có - đang tìm kiếm - nhắm tớiKorean: 노리고 있다 - 찾고 있다Turkish: peşinde - arayışında - elde etmeye çalışıyorUrdu: چاہنا - پیچھے ہوناIndonesian: mencari - mengincar - mengejar
Example Sentences
She is after a new bag.
basic
The police are after him.
basic
What are you after?
basic
He's after a promotion at work.
natural
If you're after a good deal, try that store down the street.
natural
I know what you're after—my secret recipe!
natural