Definition
等候 (děng hòu) is a formal, written way to say 'wait for', used in announcements, signs, and official contexts. It is more formal than the everyday 等 (děng) and slightly more formal than 等待 (děng dài), which is neutral. 守候 (shǒu hòu) adds a sense of caring or patience.
verb
to wait forto await (formal)
Easily confused
- 侍候shì hòulook-aliketo serve, to wait upon
Examples
- 等候。Qǐng zài ménkǒu děng hòu.Please wait at the door.
- 等候。Tāmen yǐjīng děng hòu le bàn gè xiǎoshí le.They have been waiting for half an hour.
- 等候。Dàjiā zài yīyuàn děng hòu jiǎnchá jiéguǒ.Everyone is waiting for the test results at the hospital.
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