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March 24, 2026
后悔(後悔)hòuhuǐ(hou4hui3)
后悔 (hòu huǐ) means to feel regret or remorse over something that has happened or a decision that was made. It is commonly used when reflecting on past actions or choices that led to negative outcomes, often expressing a desire to change the past.
Strokes16Frequency#1909DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
Regret is a common theme in Chinese storytelling and literature, often reflecting the idea of fate and the consequences of one's actions. The concept of 'regret' can be seen in traditional sayings, emphasizing the importance of making wise choices.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone looking back (后) and feeling a deep sorrow (悔) for a mistake they made. Picture them saying 'Oh, I wish I could go back and change that!' The character 后 represents 'behind' or 'after,' and 悔 relates to 'repentance' or 'regret,' helping you remember the meaning.
Meanings of 后悔
hòuhuǐ(hou4hui3)
1to regret
2to repent
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About 后悔
后悔Simplified
後悔Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1909Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 后悔
Podcast: 后悔
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AI Study Notes for 后悔
Quick Contrast
懊悔 (àohuǐ) is more intense and personal, often implying a deeper emotional pain than 后悔 (hòuhuǐ).
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 后悔 with similar terms like 遗憾 (yí hàn), which expresses a more general sense of regret without the implication of personal fault. Use 后悔 in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the tone matches the emotional weight of the situation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 后悔 connects well with other verbs expressing emotions and reflections, like 想 (xiǎng - to think) and 知道 (zhī dào - to know). Focus on using it in sentences that discuss past decisions to build fluency in expressing feelings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 后悔 with 忏悔 (chàn huǐ), which means to confess one's sins. For example, saying '我忏悔没有去' instead of '我后悔没有去' is incorrect unless discussing a confession.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 后悔
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后悔 (hòu huǐ) means to feel regret or remorse over something that has happened or a decision that was made. It is commonly used when reflecting on past actions or choices that led to negative outcomes, often expressing a desire to change the past.
When to use 后悔
Be careful not to confuse 后悔 with similar terms like 遗憾 (yí hàn), which expresses a more general sense of regret without the implication of personal fault. Use 后悔 in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the tone matches the emotional weight of the situation.
后悔 or something close to it
懊悔 (àohuǐ) is more intense and personal, often implying a deeper emotional pain than 后悔 (hòuhuǐ).
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 后悔 with 忏悔 (chàn huǐ), which means to confess one's sins. For example, saying '我忏悔没有去' instead of '我后悔没有去' is incorrect unless discussing a confession.
Write 后悔
后
悔
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Grammar Patterns of 后悔
后悔 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.
