后 (Hòu)

Etymology

Depicts a queen mother (母) giving birth to her heir (𠫓). Based on the original meaning "heir to the throne". The meaning later expanded to "ruler", "successor", and "after".

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》：“后，繼體君也。象人之形。施令以告四方，故厂之，从一、口。發號者，君后也。”

Original meaning

heir to the throne

Components

• 母 (iconic)
• 𠫓 (iconic) — Depicts a child being born.

Example sentences

1. 后天见。 — See you in two days.
2. 有后门。 — There's a back entrance.
3. 以后再讲。 — Talk to you later.
4. 我不后悔。 — I don't regret it.
5. 瞧你身后。 — Look behind you.

View all 50 example sentences for 后 →