hau6候
Jyutpinghau6
Yalehauh
Definition
To wait or await.
neutraldaily actionswork
How it's used
Unlike the common verb 等, which is used in almost all daily situations, 候 is primarily found in formal or compound expressions. It carries a sense of being on standby or awaiting a specific event rather than just passing time. You will frequently encounter it in professional or official contexts such as 候機室 for airport waiting lounges or 候選人 for candidates.
Examples
We are standing by at the entrance.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 候 as a direct replacement for 等 in casual conversation, as it sounds overly formal or archaic. If you say 我候你 instead of 我等你, it will sound like you are speaking in a historical drama or using a very stiff, unnatural register.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
