守候

shǒuhòu

verb HSK 7 #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

她在医院守候了一整夜。

Tā zài yīyuàn shǒuhòu le yī zhěng yè.

She kept vigil at the hospital all night.

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