lẹ́yìn tí
After an Event
The event introduced by lẹ́yìn tí precedes the main situation.
How It Works
Follow lẹ́yìn tí with a subject and predicate. This clause identifies the event preceding the main situation. It can appear before or after the main clause without reversing the temporal relation. Each clause identifies its own participants, and the linker remains unchanged.
The full subordinate predicate determines the boundary. Tán makes completion explicit. The textbook illustrates bá within a recurring after-sequence; the future example here uses that frame for an anticipated completion. High-tone tí in the linker does not itself mean already. Preverbal mid-tone ti has a separate aspectual role.
Contrast closing a door after a visitor leaves with closing it before the visitor leaves. Departure remains the reference event, but closing falls on opposite sides. An after-relation establishes temporal order without necessarily giving a reason. Use nítorí pé when the intended connection is causal.
Examples (3)
- Lẹ́yìn tí Bísí lọ, mo pa ilẹ̀kùn.
After Bísí left, I closed the door.
Departure precedes closing.
- A sinmi lẹ́yìn tí a parí iṣẹ́ náà.
We rested after we finished that work.
The later-written clause describes the earlier event.
- Lẹ́yìn tí mo bá jẹun tán, mo yóò fọ àwo.
After I finish eating, I will wash the plate.
Tán makes the completion boundary explicit.
Related Patterns
- kí ... tóBefore an Event
Places the main action before the reference event.
Level 2 - nígbà tíWhen an Event Happens
Supplies a broader when relation.
Level 2 - ti / tí ContrastAspect and Relative Meaning
Distinguishes aspectual ti from high-tone tí.
Level 3 - nítorí péGiving a Reason
Gives a reason rather than merely temporal succession.
Level 2
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