守候

shǒuhòu

verb HSK 7-9 #17,125

Meanings

1 to wait for; to keep watch
2 to stand by (someone); to keep vigil

Characters

to guard; to keep

to wait; to await

Literally 'guard and wait' - patiently waiting while watching over something or someone.

Examples

HSK 3

她在医院守候了一整夜。

Tā zài yīyuàn shǒuhòu le yī zhěngyè.

She kept vigil at the hospital all night.

HSK 7-9

粉丝们在机场守候偶像的到来。

Fěnsīmen zài jīchǎng shǒuhòu ǒuxiàng de dàolái.

Fans waited at the airport for their idol's arrival.

Tips

usage

守候 implies devoted, patient waiting - it's warmer and more emotional than 等候 (to wait) or 等待 (to await). A mother 守候 at her sick child's bedside; fans 守候 their idol. It carries a sense of care and dedication.

Stroke Order

守 shǒu

候 hòu