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

Q: What does 后 (hòu) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 后 (hòu) means "behind; after; queen". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 6 strokes and the radical 口.

Q: How do you write 后 stroke by stroke?

后 has 6 strokes. The radical is 口. 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 后 and 卟?

后 (hòu) and 卟 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 后?

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

Q: What common words use 后?

Common words containing 后 include: 后面 (hòu miàn) — behind; back; 以后 (yǐ hòu) — after; later; in the future; 最后 (zuì hòu) — Last / final.

How to Write 后

The character 后 (hòu) is written with 6 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 口 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

后 is pronounced hòu in Mandarin Chinese. It means behind; after; queen.

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

Common Words with 后

后面 hòu miàn

behind; back

以后 yǐ hòu

after; later; in the future

最后 zuì hòu

Last / final

Example Sentences

车站就在学校后面。

chē zhàn jiù zài xué xiào hòu miàn

The station is right behind the school.

我以后想去中国。

wǒ yǐ hòu xiǎng qù zhōng guó

I want to go to China in the future.

这是最后一次机会。

zhè shì zuì hòu yī cì jī huì

This is the last chance.

Similar Characters

卟 bǔ

古 gǔ

句 gōu

Practice Writing 后 (hòu)

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 后

What does 后 (hòu) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 后 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 后 and 卟?

What mistakes do learners make writing 后?

What common words use 后?

How to Write 后 (hòu)