问候
Traditional: 問候
wèn hòu HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他每天问候父母。
Tā měitiān wènhòu fùmǔ.
He greets his parents every day.
请代我问候你的家人。
Qǐng dài wǒ wènhòu nǐ de jiārén.
Please send my greetings to your family.
她收到朋友的问候。
Tā shōudào péngyou de wènhòu.
She received greetings from her friend.
我问候老师。
Wǒ wènhòu lǎoshī.
I greet the teacher.
他问候朋友。
Tā wènhòu péngyou.
He greets his friend.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 问 (wèn) means 'to ask' and 候 (hòu) relates to 'waiting' or 'time'—think of it as 'asking about someone's well-being over time,' like checking in on them.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, spoken and written. Common in social interactions, such as when asking someone to pass on greetings to others or in polite correspondence.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a verb in structures like '问候 + someone' (e.g., 问候你的朋友) or in passive forms like '受到问候' (to receive greetings). Can also be a noun in phrases like '一声问候' (a greeting).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 问候 reflects social harmony and respect, especially when extending regards to elders or in formal settings. It is common to use it during holidays or when conveying concern.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 打招呼 (dǎ zhāohu), which is more casual and often for quick hellos, 问候 is slightly more formal and implies a thoughtful or respectful greeting.

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