Definition
善后 (shàn hòu) is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to deal with the aftermath' — especially the cleanup, compensation, and follow-up after a disaster, accident, or death. It can also specifically refer to funeral arrangements or reparations. Because it is verb-object (善 'to handle' + 后 'aftermath'), it can be split: between the syllables you can insert aspect markers (了, 过) or other complements, like 善了后 ('handled the aftermath') or 善好后 ('finished handling the aftermath'). It is a formal term often used in official or news contexts.
v.o.
to deal with the aftermath (of a disaster, accident, or death)
Examples
- ，善后。Shìgù fāshēng hòu, zhèngfǔ lìjí pài rén shàn hòu.After the accident, the government immediately sent people to handle the aftermath.
- ，。Tāmen máng le jǐ tiān, zǒngsuàn shàn hǎo le hòu.They worked for a few days and finally finished handling the aftermath.
- ，善后。Tā qùshì hòu, jiārén fùzé shàn hòu.After he passed away, his family was responsible for the funeral arrangements.
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