HSK 1
TIME 后
TIME hòu
after TIME
Structure
Specific Time + 后 (hòu)
How it works
The word '后' (hòu) is used after a specific time or event to indicate 'after' that point. In Chinese, time words function as postpositions, meaning the indicator of time sequence comes after the time itself.
Examples
五点后我在家。
Wǔ diǎn hòu wǒ zài jiā.
I will be at home after five o'clock.
周五后他去北京。
Zhōuwǔ hòu tā qù Běijīng.
After Friday, he is going to Beijing.
十分钟后见。
Shí fēnzhōng hòu jiàn.
See you in ten minutes.
Common mistakes
English speakers often place 'after' before the time (e.g., saying 'hòu wǔ diǎn' instead of 'wǔ diǎn hòu').
Tip
Think of '后' as a suffix attached to the time. You can also use '以后' (yǐhòu) in the same way for a slightly more formal or complete sounding sentence.
More HSK 1 grammar
See TIME 后 in real Chinese
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