候 (hòu) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 候 (hòu) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 候 (hòu) means "wait / time / season". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 10 strokes and the radical 亻.

Q: How do you write 候 stroke by stroke?

候 has 10 strokes. The radical is 亻. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 候 and 佩?

候 (hòu) and 佩 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 候?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 亻. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 候?

Common words containing 候 include: 时候 (shí hòu) — time; moment; 等候 (děng hòu) — To wait; to await; 问候 (wèn hòu) — to greet / greetings.

How to Write 候

The character 候 (hòu) is written with 10 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 亻 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

候 is pronounced hòu in Mandarin Chinese. It means wait / time / season.

As an HSK Level 1 character, 候 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 候

时候 shí hòu

time; moment

等候 děng hòu

To wait; to await

问候 wèn hòu

to greet / greetings

Example Sentences

你什么时候回来？

nǐ shén me shí hòu huí lái

When are you coming back?

请在门口等候。

qǐng zài mén kǒu děng hòu

Please wait at the door.

向你的家人问候。

xiàng nǐ de jiā rén wèn hòu

Give my regards to your family.

Similar Characters

佩 pèi

佬 lǎo

佯 yáng

Practice Writing 候 (hòu)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 候 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 候

What does 候 (hòu) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 候 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 候 and 佩?

What mistakes do learners make writing 候?

What common words use 候?

How to Write 候 (hòu)