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March 24, 2026
候选(候選)hòuxuǎn(hou4xuan3)
The term '候选' refers to a candidate or nominee for a position, role, or award. It is commonly used in political contexts, such as elections, as well as in other competitive scenarios where individuals are selected based on qualifications.
Strokes19Frequency#14238DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese elections, the concept of a '候选' is crucial, as candidates often go through rigorous vetting processes, reflecting the importance of meritocracy in contemporary Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person waiting ('候') to be selected ('选') for a prize. Picture them standing in line, nervously glancing at a list of candidates. The sound 'hou' resembles 'how' as in 'how will I be chosen?' and 'xuan' sounds like 'shuan' which can remind you of 'shone' – someone shining as a candidate.
Meanings of 候选
hòuxuǎn(hou4xuan3)
1candidate
2candidate (attributive)
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About 候选
候选Simplified
候選Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#14238Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 候选
Podcast: 候选
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AI Study Notes for 候选
Quick Contrast
候选 (hòuxuǎn) vs 提名 (tímíng) — use 候选 when referring to the status of being a candidate, while 提名 specifically refers to the act of nominating someone.
Usage Notes
'候选' is often used in formal contexts, especially in politics or job applications. Common mistakes include using it in informal settings where simpler terms might suffice. Be cautious with tone; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '候选' connects to other terms related to elections and selections, such as '选举' (election) and '候补' (alternate). Focus on using it in context with other advanced vocabulary related to positions or nominations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '候选' with '候补', using them interchangeably when they have distinct meanings. For example, saying '他是候补' when referring to someone who is actually a candidate (候选人) is incorrect; it should be '他是候选人'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 候选
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How Well Do You Know 候选?
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Knowing 候选 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The term '候选' refers to a candidate or nominee for a position, role, or award. It is commonly used in political contexts, such as elections, as well as in other competitive scenarios where individuals are selected based on qualifications.
When to use 候选
'候选' is often used in formal contexts, especially in politics or job applications. Common mistakes include using it in informal settings where simpler terms might suffice. Be cautious with tone; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning significantly.
候选 or something close to it
候选 (hòuxuǎn) vs 提名 (tímíng) — use 候选 when referring to the status of being a candidate, while 提名 specifically refers to the act of nominating someone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '候选' with '候补', using them interchangeably when they have distinct meanings. For example, saying '他是候补' when referring to someone who is actually a candidate (候选人) is incorrect; it should be '他是候选人'.
Write 候选
候
选
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Grammar Patterns of 候选
候选 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
