Meanings of 稍候
Type the Meaning
What does 稍候 mean?
稍候About 稍候
Podcast: 稍候
Podcast: 稍候
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 稍候
稍等 (shāo děng) — use 稍候 when a more polite or formal tone is desired, while 稍等 is more casual.
Avoid using 稍候 in very casual settings, as it may sound overly formal. Common collocations include 稍候一下 (wait a moment) and 稍候片刻 (wait for a short while). Be careful with the tones; the first character is pronounced with a rising tone, while the second has a falling tone.
稍候 is not included in HSK levels, but it is useful for HSK 3-4 learners focusing on polite expressions. Connecting it with other time-related vocabulary like 等 (děng, to wait) can enhance understanding.
Learners often confuse 稍候 with 等待 (děngdài, to wait), using them interchangeably. However, 稍候 is more polite and specific to brief waits, while 等待 can imply a longer wait.
Pronunciation of 稍候
Drill the tone of 稍候 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say to wait a moment in Chinese
“to wait a moment” in Chinese is稍候
稍候 (shāo hòu) means 'to wait a moment' or 'to wait a little while.' It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to politely ask someone to pause or hold on for a short duration, often in situations like phone conversations or customer service.
When to use 稍候
Avoid using 稍候 in very casual settings, as it may sound overly formal. Common collocations include 稍候一下 (wait a moment) and 稍候片刻 (wait for a short while). Be careful with the tones; the first character is pronounced with a rising tone, while the second has a falling tone.
稍候 or something close to it
稍等 (shāo děng) — use 稍候 when a more polite or formal tone is desired, while 稍等 is more casual.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 稍候 with 等待 (děngdài, to wait), using them interchangeably. However, 稍候 is more polite and specific to brief waits, while 等待 can imply a longer wait.
Write 稍候
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 稍候 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about 稍候
Yes, 稍候 is a polite way to ask someone to wait for a moment.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 稍候?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.