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前仰后合 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
前仰后合qiányǎnghòuhéto sway to and froHSK 7, unknown, 27 strokes, Very Hard
前仰后合qiányǎnghòuhéto rock back and forthHSK 7, unknown, 27 strokes, Very Hard
qiányǎnghòuhé(qian2yang3hou4he2)qian yang hou he T2
  1. 1to sway to and fro
  2. 2to rock back and forth
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March 24, 2026

前仰后合(前仰後合)qiányǎnghòuhé(qian2yang3hou4he2)

The idiom '前仰后合' describes a motion of swaying or rocking back and forth, often used to illustrate a playful or lively movement. It is commonly used in contexts where people are having fun, such as during a lively dance or while engaged in a humorous activity. The phrase conveys a sense of rhythm and coordination in this swaying action.

Strokes27DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, movement and rhythm play a significant role in social activities, such as traditional dances and celebrations. This idiom captures the joy and dynamism often found in these communal events.

Memory tip

Imagine a seesaw with two friends on either end, one leaning forward (前仰) and the other leaning backward (后合), creating a playful back-and-forth motion. The characters can be remembered by picturing them as friends enjoying their playful sway together.

Meanings of 前仰后合

qiányǎnghòuhé(qian2yang3hou4he2)
1to sway to and fro
2to rock back and forth
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About 前仰后合

前仰后合Simplified
前仰後合Traditional
27Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 前仰后合

Usage Notes

This idiom is generally used in informal contexts, often to describe playful or humorous situations. A common mistake is to use it in serious contexts, where a different phrase would be more appropriate. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom may not appear in lower HSK levels, it incorporates common characters like 前 (front) and 后 (back), which are foundational for understanding directions in Chinese. Students should focus on the rhythm of the phrase and its application in describing lively actions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the order of the characters, mistakenly saying '后合前仰', which disrupts the idiom's meaning. Always remember the correct order: 前仰后合.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 前仰后合

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Component characters

前qiánfront
HSK 19 strokes刂
View full entry
仰yǎngto face upward
HSK 66 strokes亻
View full entry
后hòuempress
HSK 16 strokes口
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合gěto close
HSK 56 strokes口
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How to say to sway to and fro in Chinese

“to sway to and fro” in Chinese is前仰后合qiányǎnghòuhé

The idiom '前仰后合' describes a motion of swaying or rocking back and forth, often used to illustrate a playful or lively movement. It is commonly used in contexts where people are having fun, such as during a lively dance or while engaged in a humorous activity. The phrase conveys a sense of rhythm and coordination in this swaying action.

When to use 前仰后合

This idiom is generally used in informal contexts, often to describe playful or humorous situations. A common mistake is to use it in serious contexts, where a different phrase would be more appropriate. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning entirely.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the order of the characters, mistakenly saying '后合前仰', which disrupts the idiom's meaning. Always remember the correct order: 前仰后合.

Write 前仰后合

前
仰
后
合

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Frequently asked questions about 前仰后合

No, this idiom is best suited for informal situations and should be avoided in formal writing or speech.

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