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March 24, 2026
落后(落後)luòhòu(luo4hou4)
The term 落后 (luòhòu) refers to the state of being behind in progress, development, or performance, often in relation to technology or societal advancement. It can be used to describe both individuals and groups, highlighting a lack of progress compared to others.
Frequency#4978DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 落后 often ties into national pride and competition on the global stage, particularly in reference to technological advancements and economic development. Discussions about 落后 can evoke sentiments related to modernization efforts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a race where a runner, represented by the character 落, is falling (落) behind (后) others. Visualize this runner tripping over obstacles that symbolize outdated technology, which helps connect the character's components to its meaning of falling behind.
Meanings of 落后
luòhòu(luo4hou4)
1to fall behind
2to lag (in technology etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 落后
落后Simplified
落後Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4978Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 落后
Podcast: 落后
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AI Study Notes for 落后
Quick Contrast
落后 (luòhòu) vs 迟缓 (chíhuǎn): use 落后 for being behind in progress, while 迟缓 emphasizes slowness in action or response.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a race where a runner, represented by the character 落, is falling (落) behind (后) others. Visualize this runner tripping over obstacles that symbolize outdated technology, which helps connect the character's components to its meaning of falling behind.
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about technological advancement or societal issues. A common mistake is using 落后 in a casual context where simpler terms like 迟到 (chídào, to be late) would suffice. Be careful with the tones to avoid miscommunication.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 落后 connects well with other terms related to progress and development such as 进步 (jìnbù, progress) and 发展 (fāzhǎn, development). Students should practice using it in sentences to describe various contexts of lagging behind.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 落后 often ties into national pride and competition on the global stage, particularly in reference to technological advancements and economic development. Discussions about 落后 can evoke sentiments related to modernization efforts.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 落后 to simply mean 'late' in a time context, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我落后了' (Wǒ luòhòu le) to indicate 'I am late' should be corrected to '我迟到了' (Wǒ chídào le).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 落后
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Grammar Patterns of 落后
落后 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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 4
Complete the Sentence
戴维斯____了差不多两秒，获得第三名。
Davies finished almost two seconds in arrears for third place.
Example Sentences for 落后 (10)
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1
戴维斯落后了差不多两秒，获得第三名。
dài wéi sī luò hòu le chà bù duō liǎng miǎo， ， huò dé dì sān。
Davies finished almost two seconds in arrears for third place.
Aberdeen are nine points adrift of Rangers at the top of the Scottish League.
10
他现在落后冠军10分。
tā xiàn zài luò hòu guān jūn10 10。
He now lags 10 points behind the champion.
Cultural Notes for 落后
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of 落后 often ties into national pride and competition on the global stage, particularly in reference to technological advancements and economic development. Discussions about 落后 can evoke sentiments related to modernization efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 落后
Yes, 落后 generally carries a negative connotation, implying a need for improvement or advancement.
Yes, it can describe individuals, groups, or even entire countries that are perceived as lagging behind in various aspects.
Synonyms include 迟缓 (chíhuǎn, slow) and 退步 (tuìbù, regress), although their usage may vary.
