hau6 bou2候補候补

Jyutpinghau6 bou2

Yalehauh bóu

動詞Rare

Definition

To wait to fill a vacancy, act as an alternate, or qualify for a position.

to be on a waiting list; to be an alternate for a vacancy
to wait to qualify or be selected for a position

neutralworkschool

How it's used

Often used in contexts involving formal selection processes, such as sports teams, committee memberships, or university admissions. It implies that you are not the first choice but are ready to step in if someone else drops out or if a vacancy arises. It carries a sense of being on standby rather than being actively involved.

Examples

ngo5我paai4排gan2緊deoi2隊hau6候bou2補，m4唔zi1知zung6仲jiu3要dang2等gei2幾noi6耐aa4呀。

I am waiting in line as an alternate, I don't know how much longer I have to wait.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪zung6仲hau6候bou2補gan2緊go3個wai2位aa4呀？

Are you still on the waiting list for that spot?

Common phrases

hau6候bou2補ming4名daan1單

waiting list

hau6候bou2補wai2委jyun4員

alternate member

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 輪候, which refers to waiting in a queue for a service or public housing. 候補 specifically implies the potential to replace someone or fill a specific vacancy, whereas 輪候 is about waiting for your turn in a sequence.