等候

děnghòu

verb HSK 5 #5,277

Meanings

Both characters mean to wait - a formal, patient waiting.

HSK 1

请在这里等候。

Qǐng zài zhèlǐ děnghòu.

Please wait here.

HSK 5

我们在机场等候他的到来。

Wǒmen zài jīchǎng děnghòu tā de dàolái.

We're waiting at the airport for his arrival.

HSK 7-9

乘客们在候车室等候。

Chéngkè men zài hòu chē shì děnghòu.

Passengers are waiting in the waiting room.

usage

等候 is more formal than 等 alone. You'll see it on signs and in announcements: 请等候 (please wait), 等候区 (waiting area). In casual speech, just use 等.

等 děng

候 hòu