候 (hòu) - To wait & to await

候Tone 4

hòu ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

候 · hòu

To wait;

to await;

to inquire after;

a period of time;

a season;

a rank or title in ancient China;

a surname.

To waitto awaitto inquire after

Usage highlights

Wait forWait a momentWeatherCandidateTimeMarquis

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 行— to go; to act (antonym to waiting)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please wait a moment (请稍候).
  • I'm waiting for the bus (等候公交车).
  • The weather forecast (天气预报) predicts a cold spell.
  • He was conferred the title of Marquis (侯爵).

Collocations

  • Wait for(等候)
  • Wait a moment(稍候)
  • Weather(天气)
  • Candidate(候选人)
  • Time(时候)
  • Marquis(侯爵)

Idioms

  • To bide one's time(伺机而动)
  • To wait for the right moment(等候时机)
  • To inquire after someone's health(问候安康)
  • To stand by and wait(恭候多时)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 候 can refer to the ancient noble title of 'Marquis' (侯), a high rank in the feudal system.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, 候 can refer to observing the signs and symptoms of a disease.
  • 候 is used in terms related to seasons and climate, reflecting the importance of timing in Chinese culture.

FAQ