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March 24, 2026
侯hóu(Hou2)
The character 侯 (hóu) primarily means 'marquis' or 'lord,' indicating a noble rank in the Chinese feudal system. It can also refer to the target in archery or be used as a surname, particularly 'Hou.' This character is often seen in historical and literary contexts relating to nobility and governance.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#9346DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the title of 侯 was one of the noble ranks, and individuals holding this title played significant roles in governance and military. Understanding this character can enhance comprehension of historical dramas and literature that depict feudal society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a nobleman (侯) standing proudly with a bow, aiming at a target in the distance. The character looks like a person in a flowing robe (the top part) with a target (the bottom part) in sight, reminding you of both his high status and the focus of his aim.
Meanings of 侯
hóu(Hou2)
1marquis, lord; target in archery
2nobleman or high official
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 侯 means.
About 侯
侯Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 侯
Podcast: 侯
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AI Study Notes for 侯
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 侯 (hóu) with other characters that sound similar but have different meanings. This word is generally used in formal contexts and is often seen in literature about Chinese history or in discussions of nobility. Common collocations include phrases like 侯爵 (hóujué) meaning marquis.
HSK Study Tips
While 侯 is not directly listed in HSK levels, it is good practice for learners at an intermediate level to recognize it in historical texts or discussions about Chinese society. Focus on its usage in context, especially in phrases related to nobility.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 侯 (hóu) with other similar-sounding characters, such as 号 (hào) meaning 'number' or 'to call.' Always remember that 侯 relates specifically to nobility and archery, not to other meanings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侯
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Etymology of 侯
Formation TypePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 矦 represents the sound.
The character 侯 (hóu) primarily means 'marquis' or 'lord,' indicating a noble rank in the Chinese feudal system. It can also refer to the target in archery or be used as a surname, particularly 'Hou.' This character is often seen in historical and literary contexts relating to nobility and governance.
When to use 侯
Be cautious not to confuse 侯 (hóu) with other characters that sound similar but have different meanings. This word is generally used in formal contexts and is often seen in literature about Chinese history or in discussions of nobility. Common collocations include phrases like 侯爵 (hóujué) meaning marquis.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 侯 (hóu) with other similar-sounding characters, such as 号 (hào) meaning 'number' or 'to call.' Always remember that 侯 relates specifically to nobility and archery, not to other meanings.
Write 侯
侯
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Grammar Patterns of 侯
侯 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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 3
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
好的, 先生. 一杯甜苦艾酒, 请稍____.
Certainly, sir. A Sweet Vermouth. Just a moment, please.
Example Sentences for 侯 (3)
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1
好的, 先生. 一杯甜苦艾酒, 请稍侯.
hǎo de, , xiān. shēng . yī bēi tián kǔ, ài jiǔ ,.
Certainly, sir. A Sweet Vermouth. Just a moment, please.
Yuan Shao , the leader of an opposition force , led a punitive expedition to L & # 252 ; oyang, the capital.
3
将军起初愣愣地对侯恩瞅了半晌.
jiāng jūn qǐ chū lèng lèng dì duì hóu ēn chǒu le bàn shǎng.
The General had looked at Hearn blankly.
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Word Family of 侯
Words Containing This Character19
侯hóunobleman or high official
诸侯feudal vassal諸侯
侯爵marquis
侯赛因Husain or Hussein (name)侯賽因
武侯Wuhou district of Chengdu city 成都市[Chéngdūshì], Sichuan
萨达姆·侯赛因Saddam Hussein薩達姆·侯賽因
王侯aristocracy
闽侯Minhou county in Fuzhou 福州[Fúzhōu], Fujian閩侯
武侯祠refers to tourist attraction in Chengdu 成都
诸侯国vassal state諸侯國
闽侯县Minhou county in Fuzhou 福州[Fúzhōu], Fujian閩侯縣
列侯duke (old)
侯马Houma county level city in Linfen 臨汾|临汾[Línfén], Shanxi侯馬
侯马市Houma county level city in Linfen 臨汾|临汾[Línfén], Shanxi侯馬市
挟天子以令诸侯(expr.) hold the feudal overlord and you control his vassals挾天子以令諸侯
万户侯high nobles萬戶侯
侯景之乱rebellion against Liang of the Southern Dynasties 南朝梁 in 548侯景之亂
侯门noble house侯門
宗圣侯hereditary title bestowed on Confucius' descendants宗聖侯
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 侯
What does 诸侯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侯
In modern contexts, 侯 still retains its meanings related to nobility and is used as a surname. However, it may not be as commonly referenced in everyday conversation.
While 侯 can appear in discussions about history or literature, it is not typically used in daily conversation among younger generations.
Yes, phrases like 侯爵 (hóujué) for marquis are common in historical contexts.
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