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落后 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
落后
luòhòu
to fall behind
HSK 6, a, 18 strokes, rank #4978, Hard
落后
luòhòu
to lag (in technology etc)
HSK 6, a, 18 strokes, rank #4978, Hard
落后
luòhòu
backward
HSK 6, a, 18 strokes, rank #4978, Hard
落后
luòhòu
to retrogress
HSK 6, a, 18 strokes, rank #4978, Hard
luòhòu(luo4hou4)luo hou T4
1to fall behind
2to lag (in technology etc)
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March 24, 2026
落后(落後)luòhòu(luo4hou4)
The term 落后 (luòhòu) refers to the state of being behind in progress, development, or performance, often in relation to technology or societal advancement. It can be used to describe both individuals and groups, highlighting a lack of progress compared to others.
Strokes18Frequency#4978DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In China, the concept of 落后 often ties into national pride and competition on the global stage, particularly in reference to technological advancements and economic development. Discussions about 落后 can evoke sentiments related to modernization efforts.
Memory tip
Imagine a race where a runner, represented by the character 落, is falling (落) behind (后) others. Visualize this runner tripping over obstacles that symbolize outdated technology, which helps connect the character's components to its meaning of falling behind.
Meanings of 落后
luòhòu(luo4hou4)
1to fall behind
2to lag (in technology etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 落后
落后Simplified
落後Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4978Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 落后
Podcast: 落后
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AI study notes for 落后
Quick Contrast
落后 (luòhòu) vs 迟缓 (chíhuǎn): use 落后 for being behind in progress, while 迟缓 emphasizes slowness in action or response.
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about technological advancement or societal issues. A common mistake is using 落后 in a casual context where simpler terms like 迟到 (chídào, to be late) would suffice. Be careful with the tones to avoid miscommunication.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 落后 connects well with other terms related to progress and development such as 进步 (jìnbù, progress) and 发展 (fāzhǎn, development). Students should practice using it in sentences to describe various contexts of lagging behind.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 落后 to simply mean 'late' in a time context, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我落后了' (Wǒ luòhòu le) to indicate 'I am late' should be corrected to '我迟到了' (Wǒ chídào le).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 落后
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The term 落后 (luòhòu) refers to the state of being behind in progress, development, or performance, often in relation to technology or societal advancement. It can be used to describe both individuals and groups, highlighting a lack of progress compared to others.
When to use 落后
This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about technological advancement or societal issues. A common mistake is using 落后 in a casual context where simpler terms like 迟到 (chídào, to be late) would suffice. Be careful with the tones to avoid miscommunication.
落后 or something close to it
落后 (luòhòu) vs 迟缓 (chíhuǎn): use 落后 for being behind in progress, while 迟缓 emphasizes slowness in action or response.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 落后 to simply mean 'late' in a time context, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我落后了' (Wǒ luòhòu le) to indicate 'I am late' should be corrected to '我迟到了' (Wǒ chídào le).
Write 落后
落
后
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Grammar patterns of 落后
落后 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
戴维斯____了差不多两秒，获得第三名。
Davies finished almost two seconds in arrears for third place.
Example sentences for 落后 (10)
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1
戴维斯落后了差不多两秒，获得第三名。
dài wéi Sī luòhòu le chàbuduō liǎng miǎo， huòdé dì sān míng。
Davies finished almost two seconds in arrears for third place.
