fig. to gain influence by pull or unofficial channels
HSK 7, unknown, rank #21756, Hard
走后门
zǒuhòumén
back door or under the counter connections
HSK 7, unknown, rank #21756, Hard
zǒuhòumén(zou3hou4men2) T3
1lit. to enter by the back door
2fig. to gain influence by pull or unofficial channels
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
走后门(走後門)zǒuhòumén(zou3hou4men2)
走后门 (zǒu hòu men) literally means 'to enter by the back door.' This phrase is commonly used to describe gaining access or influence through unofficial channels or connections rather than through merit. It often has a negative connotation, implying favoritism or corruption in contexts like hiring or promotions.
Frequency#21756DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of personal connections, or 'guanxi,' is deeply ingrained, and phrases like 走后门 highlight the reliance on these networks in various aspects of life, including business and education.
Memory Tip
Imagine a secretive character sneaking through a 'back door' (后门) to avoid the main entrance, which symbolizes the formal process. The pronunciation 'zou3' sounds like 'zoo,' where animals might find hidden paths, reminding you how some people might take shortcuts in life.
Meanings of 走后门
zǒuhòumén(zou3hou4men2)
1lit. to enter by the back door
2fig. to gain influence by pull or unofficial channels
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About 走后门
走后门Simplified
走後門Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 走后门
Podcast: 走后门
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AI Study Notes for 走后门
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a secretive character sneaking through a 'back door' (后门) to avoid the main entrance, which symbolizes the formal process. The pronunciation 'zou3' sounds like 'zoo,' where animals might find hidden paths, reminding you how some people might take shortcuts in life.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to use this phrase in formal settings, as it carries a negative implication of dishonesty. It is often used in discussions about politics, business, and education. A common collocation is '走后门的方式' (the method of using backdoor connections).
HSK Study Tips
While 走后门 isn't part of formal HSK levels, understanding this phrase can enhance your comprehension of cultural discussions around corruption and influence in China. Focus on recognizing its usage in news and media to grasp its connotation better.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of personal connections, or 'guanxi,' is deeply ingrained, and phrases like 走后门 highlight the reliance on these networks in various aspects of life, including business and education.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 走后门 with related phrases like '走正门' (to enter through the main door), which means doing things properly. Remember, 走后门 implies shortcuts and unfair advantages.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 走后门
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Cultural Notes for 走后门
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the use of personal connections, or 'guanxi,' is deeply ingrained, and phrases like 走后门 highlight the reliance on these networks in various aspects of life, including business and education.
Frequently Asked Questions about 走后门
Yes, it generally carries a negative connotation, implying unethical behavior.
It is often used to criticize someone who has used connections to gain advantages instead of hard work.
It's best to avoid using it in formal discussions due to its negative implications.
