Meanings of 後
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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.'
Imagine a person standing at the back of a queue, waving their hand. The character 後 has a 'back' radical (後) that represents 'behind.' You can think of 'hòu' sounding like 'how' when asking how far back someone is in line.
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 This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but its formality may increase in literary or historical references.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.
In Chinese culture, the concept of descendants (後代) is significant, emphasizing family lineage and respect for ancestors. This focus on continuity through generations is reflected in various traditions and celebrations.
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
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 後
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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)
Cultural Notes for 後
In Chinese culture, the concept of descendants (後代) is significant, emphasizing family lineage and respect for ancestors. This focus on continuity through generations is reflected in various traditions and celebrations.
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).