侯 (hóu) - Marquis — a noble title in ancient China & also used as a surname

侯Tone 2

hóu ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

枫惠

侯 · hóu

Marquis — a noble title in ancient China;

also used as a surname;

refers to feudal lords or high-ranking officials.

Marquis — a noble title in ancient Chinaalso used as a surnamerefers to feudal lords or high-ranking officials.

Usage highlights

Marquis titleFeudal lordsSurname HouMarquisateHou Jing RebellionMarquis of the state

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was granted the title of Marquis (侯爵).
  • The surname Hou is common in China (侯姓).
  • During the Spring and Autumn period, feudal lords were called Zhuhou (诸侯).
  • The Marquis of Sui was known for his kindness (随侯).

Collocations

  • Marquis title(侯爵)
  • Feudal lords(诸侯)
  • Surname Hou(侯姓)
  • Marquisate(侯国)
  • Hou Jing Rebellion(侯景之乱)
  • Marquis of the state(侯爷)

Idioms

  • To become a marquis overnight(封侯拜相)
  • The marquis's seal on the turtle's back(龟纽侯印)
  • To be enfeoffed as a marquis(封侯万里)
  • The marquis and the king are of the same clan(王侯将相)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the five peerage ranks in ancient China (公, 侯, 伯, 子, 男), second only to Duke.
  • Originally referred to feudal lords who were granted territories by the emperor.
  • The title carried significant political and military authority during feudal times.
  • As a surname, it ranks among the common Chinese surnames with historical prominence.

FAQ