アフターダーク

せなか

back (of the body); rear

He patted me on the back to encourage me.

Refers to the back part of the human body or the rear side of an object.

possessive particle indicating belonging, attribution, or relationship

Mother's cooking is the most delicious.

Connects two nouns to show possession or attribution. The modifying noun comes before の, and the modified noun comes after. Can also connect clauses when nominalizing.

かげ

shadow; silhouette; light; reflection

Two shadows stretched long in the setting sun.

Refers to both physical shadows caused by blocked light and the light source itself (sun, moon). Can also mean a silhouette or a trace/sign of something.

subject marker particle; but

It's a night when the stars are beautifully visible.

Marks the grammatical subject, especially for new information or in subordinate clauses. Emphasizes what performs the action. Also means 'but' when connecting clauses.

のびる

to be extended; to be postponed; to be prolonged

Due to the rain, the excursion schedule was postponed to next week.

Typically used for time limits, schedules, or distances being extended. Not to be confused with '伸びる' which is used for physical growth or stretching.

that (something near the listener or previously mentioned)

That shop is already open.

Demonstrative adjective indicating something near the listener or something previously mentioned in conversation. Cannot be used alone - must modify a noun. Part of the ko-so-a-do series. Used to refer to things in the listener's sphere or topics already discussed.

あいま

interval; spare moments; gap

I take a break to drink coffee in between work tasks.

Refers to a short period of time between activities or events.

particle indicating time, location, target, or indirect object

I plan to meet friends on the weekend.

Multiple uses: marks specific time (when), location of existence (where something is), target/recipient of action (to whom/what), or purpose. Context determines meaning.