To watch for, scout, or wait for the right moment or target.
Time, season, weather, state; to wait for someone or something. A person (亻) beside a target (侯) watching and waiting for the right moment.
候
Common Usage & Traps
- 时候 — time, moment
- 等候 — to wait
- 气候 — climate
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候人等人候 is not used as a standalone verb for 'wait for people'; use 等.
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什么候什么时候候 must be part of the fixed word 时候; it cannot replace 时.
How do I avoid confusing 候 with 后?
候 has an extra vertical stroke and means 'wait' or 'time'; 后 means 'after' or 'behind'.
候 (hòu) is used in words like 时候 (time) and 等候 (wait). 后 (hòu) is used in words like 以后 (after) and 后面 (behind). They look similar but 候 has a small vertical stroke in the middle right part.
| Dimension | 候 | 后 |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | wait; time | after; behind |
| Common word | 时候 (time) | 以后 (after) |
| Stroke count | 10 | 6 |
Can I use 候 by itself to mean 'wait'?
No, 候 is almost always used in compound words like 等候 or 时候.
候 is a bound character in modern Mandarin. To say 'wait' alone, use 等 (děng). 候 appears in fixed combinations such as 等候 (wait) or 时候 (time).
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone verb | 等 (wait) | 候 (wait) |
| In compound | 等候 (wait) | 候 alone |
| Time word | 时候 (time) | 候 (time) |
Appears in Stories 10 stories
Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.
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新闻里还说，最近这些年，美国西部每年都出现的森林大火是 气候变化 的结果。
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他 小时候 住在中国的东北，那里的森林也很多。
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春天和夏天雨水少，温度高的 时候 ，人们也要特别小心森林大火。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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就是说，高温的 时候 也不容易产生有害物质。
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我们通常说，加热食品的 时候 ，最高不能超过200℃。
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而当人们用开水泡面的 时候 ，如果不另外加盐，还会觉得淡。
Is four years to reach HSK 5 fast or slow? Follow a conversation between two learners as they compare study hours and share realistic strategies for busy adults.
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B：我们说话的 时候 ，只说“汉语”就可以了，就是说“中文老师、汉语老师”都可以。
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我去年住在上海的 时候 ，去一个汉语学校学习汉语，学了一个月。
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你知道，学习汉语很有意思，但是 那个时候 ，我们班有三十个同学。
Read about a work trip to Beijing where a group of colleagues takes a very large airplane. Practice weather words and actions in a simple travel story.
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到北京的 时候 ，北京正在下大雨。
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我们下飞机的 时候 是白天，但是天气有一点儿冷。
Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.
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说这句话的 时候 ，他筷子搁在碗上。
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烤和牛上桌的 时候 别人都在夹。
This short, simple story follows a shopper's trip to the supermarket to buy apples. You'll learn useful vocabulary for shopping, prices, and comparing things.
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今天白天的 时候 ，我去我家这边的超市买东西。
In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.
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有的时候 ，老电影比现在的新电影有意思。
Meet Gao Youpeng, a friendly Beijing coworker who welcomes the narrator with local dishes and a simple language-exchange plan. This warm HSK 2 story is perfect for first readings about work and friendship.
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他也在中为公司工作，但是因为周一我来公司的 时候 ，他去上海了，所以我没有看见他。
This heartwarming story reveals the quiet devotion of a father. As you read, notice the repeated actions and how a simple cup of tea becomes meaningful.
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天天都是 这个时候 。
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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后来，他们又谈到 小时候的 生活。
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