Meanings of 後
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About 後
Podcast: 後
Podcast: 後
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AI Study Notes for 後
前 (qián) — use 後 (hòu) when referring to something that is 'after' or 'behind' in time or space, whereas 前 (qián) indicates 'before' or 'in front of.'
Be careful not to confuse 後 with 前 (qián), which means 'front' or 'before.' This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but its formality may increase in literary or historical references. Common collocations include 後面 (hòumiàn, 'behind') and 後代 (hòudài, 'descendants').
Although 後 is not included in the HSK, it connects well with other HSK words that denote time or position. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences to distinguish between temporal and spatial meanings, as well as its application in familial contexts.
Learners often confuse 後 with its antonym 前 (qián). For instance, saying '我在前面' (I am behind) while intending to say 'I am in front' is incorrect; the correct phrase should use 前 instead.
Pronunciation of 後
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Etymology of 後
后 (empress) and its mirror image 司 (take charge) were originally used interchangeably. The origin of both characters is unclear. In simplified Chinese 后 is also used to mean "after, behind", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with
One step 彳 coming behind another 夂; 幺 provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 後
后 (empress) and its mirror image 司 (take charge) were originally used interchangeably. The origin of both characters is unclear. In simplified Chinese 后 is also used to mean "after, behind", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with
- 1The giveawayOne step 彳 coming behind another 夂; 幺 provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 後? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 後
Identify the Components
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How to say after; behind, rear; descendants in Chinese
“after; behind, rear; descendants” in Chinese is後
The character 後 (hòu) primarily means 'after' or 'behind.' It can refer to a physical location, such as something located at the back, or a temporal context indicating something that comes later. Additionally, it can denote descendants or later generations in familial or historical contexts.
When to use 後
Be careful not to confuse 後 with 前 (qián), which means 'front' or 'before.' This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but its formality may increase in literary or historical references. Common collocations include 後面 (hòumiàn, 'behind') and 後代 (hòudài, 'descendants').
後 or something close to it
前 (qián) — use 後 (hòu) when referring to something that is 'after' or 'behind' in time or space, whereas 前 (qián) indicates 'before' or 'in front of.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 後 with its antonym 前 (qián). For instance, saying '我在前面' (I am behind) while intending to say 'I am in front' is incorrect; the correct phrase should use 前 instead.
Write 後
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Practice writing 後 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 後
後 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
有些人相信他们死____可能转生为动物.
Some people believe they may reincarnate in the form of an animal.
Example Sentences for 後 (2)
Word Family of 後
Compound Meaning
What does 后 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 後
You can use 後 to describe a sequence, such as '我後來去了商店' (I went to the store later).
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