You'll often hear 稍后 (shāohòu) in daily Chinese conversations. It's a very practical adverb meaning 'later' or 'in a moment.' Think of it as a polite way to say something will happen soon, but not right this second.
For instance, if someone asks you to do something and you need a little bit of time, you can say 我稍后就去 (wǒ shāohòu jiù qù), meaning 'I'll go in a moment.' It's more common and natural than saying 一会儿 (yīhuìr) in many situations where you're referring to a short, indefinite period.
You'll frequently encounter it when making plans or setting expectations. For example, if you're waiting for a friend, they might text you 我稍后到 (wǒ shāohòu dào), which means 'I'll arrive a bit later.' It signals that they are on their way, but not immediately there.
Using 稍后 (shāohòu) correctly shows a good grasp of natural Chinese communication. It's an important word to add to your A2 vocabulary for smoother daily interactions.
You'll often hear 稍后 (shāohòu) in polite or formal contexts, similar to saying "later" or "in a moment" in English, but with a slightly softer nuance. It suggests a short delay before an action will take place. For example, a customer service representative might say "请稍后 (qǐng shāohòu)" to ask you to wait for a short period. It's more formal than just saying "等一下 (děng yīxià)," which is more casual. You might also see it written, for instance, in a notification that something will be updated 稍后. Think of it as a helpful phrase to use when you need a moment before proceeding.
When using 稍后 (shāo hòu) in Chinese, remember it’s an adverb, so it directly modifies verbs. It implies a short delay, similar to saying “later” or “in a moment” in English. Unlike some other time words, 稍后 is often used quite politely, suggesting that something will happen soon without giving a precise time. It’s frequently used in customer service or when making arrangements where exact timing isn’t crucial but a promise of future action is. You can place it before a verb or at the beginning of a clause. For example, 你稍后会收到邮件 (Nǐ shāo hòu huì shōu dào yóu jiàn) means, “You will receive an email a little later.”
§ What 稍后 Means
- Definition
- Later; in a moment; a little later.
You'll hear and use 稍后 a lot in everyday Chinese. It's a handy adverb that basically means 'a bit later' or 'in a moment.' Think of it as a polite and common way to say something will happen, well, later. It's not about a specific time, just a general deferral to the near future.
People use 稍后 when they want to indicate that an action or event will occur after a short, unspecified period. It's less precise than saying 'five minutes later' but more specific than just 'later.' It suggests an intention to do something soon, but not immediately. It's a polite and common way to communicate this idea in various contexts, from daily conversations to more formal settings.
§ Common Uses of 稍后
Here's how you'll typically encounter 稍后:
- In customer service: If you call a company and they need to check something, they might say, '请您稍后,' meaning 'Please wait a moment.'
- In social interactions: If you're busy and someone asks for your help, you can say, '我稍后就来,' meaning 'I'll come a bit later.'
- When making plans: You might say, '我们稍后讨论,' which means 'We'll discuss it later.'
The key takeaway is that 稍后 is flexible and widely applicable. It shows you're not going to do something right now, but you will get to it soon.
§ Examples in Context
Let's look at some practical examples to nail down how 稍后 works.
我正在忙，稍后给你回电话。
Translation: I'm busy right now, I'll call you back a bit later.
请您稍后，我马上就到。
Translation: Please wait a moment, I'll be there very soon.
我们稍后再讨论这个计划。
Translation: Let's discuss this plan a little later.
您的咖啡稍后就来，请耐心等待。
Translation: Your coffee will be here in a moment, please wait patiently.
§ Why You Need 稍后
Mastering 稍后 is crucial for natural conversation. It adds a layer of politeness and flexibility to your communication. Instead of giving a direct 'no' or an immediate commitment, 稍后 allows you to defer actions smoothly. It's a soft way to manage expectations and show that you intend to follow through, just not right this second.
Think of situations where you might say 'Hold on a second,' 'Be right with you,' or 'I'll get to that in a bit' in English. 稍后 serves a very similar purpose in Chinese. It's a filler that bridges the gap between 'now' and 'soon,' making your Chinese sound much more native and less abrupt. It’s a polite and efficient way to handle situations where immediate action isn't possible or desirable.
§ Understanding 稍后
The Chinese word 稍后 (shāohòu) is an adverb that means "later" or "in a moment." It's a very common and practical word you'll hear often in various situations. Think of it as a polite way to say "soon" or "a bit later." It's not about a long delay, but rather a short, unspecified period of time.
- DEFINITION
- Later; in a moment.
§ At Work: Professional Delays and Requests
In a professional setting, 稍后 (shāohòu) is excellent for indicating that you'll do something shortly without committing to an exact time. It's polite and clear.
我稍后给你打电话。(Wǒ shāohòu gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.)
Translation hint: I will call you later.
请稍后发送报告。(Qǐng shāohòu fāsòng bàogào.)
Translation hint: Please send the report later.
You might also hear it in responses:
好的，我稍后处理。(Hǎo de, wǒ shāohòu chǔlǐ.)
Translation hint: Okay, I'll deal with it later/in a moment.
§ At School: Classroom Instructions and Peer Communication
In a classroom or academic setting, 稍后 (shāohòu) can be used by teachers or students to manage time and tasks.
我们稍后讨论这个问题。(Wǒmen shāohòu tǎolùn zhège wèntí.)
Translation hint: We will discuss this issue later.
老师会稍后公布成绩。(Lǎoshī huì shāohòu gōngbù chéngjī.)
Translation hint: The teacher will announce the grades later.
§ In News and Announcements: Public Information
News reports and public announcements often use 稍后 (shāohòu) to inform the audience that more details or actions will follow.
更多细节将稍后公布。(Gèng duō xìjié jiāng shāohòu gōngbù.)
Translation hint: More details will be announced later.
请关注我们，我们稍后带来最新消息。(Qǐng guānzhù wǒmen, wǒmen shāohòu dài lái zuìxīn xiāoxi.)
Translation hint: Please stay tuned, we will bring the latest news later.
§ Common Situations and Usage
You'll hear 稍后 (shāohòu) in everyday conversations when someone wants to politely defer an action or request. It's a useful phrase to have in your vocabulary because it's adaptable to many contexts.
- Waiting in line: "请稍后" (Qǐng shāohòu - Please wait a moment).
- Customer service: "我稍后会帮您处理" (Wǒ shāohòu huì bāng nín chǔlǐ - I will help you with this later/in a moment).
- Making plans: "我们稍后决定" (Wǒmen shāohòu juédìng - We'll decide later).
Remember, 稍后 (shāohòu) is a good choice when you want to be polite and indicate a short delay without being too specific about the exact timing. It's more formal than just saying "一会儿" (yīhuǐ'er) which also means "a little while," but 稍后 carries a bit more weight and politeness, making it suitable for professional and public interactions.
§ Using 稍后 for Long Periods
Many learners use 稍后 for any amount of time in the future, even if it's hours, days, or weeks. However, 稍后 specifically means "a little later" or "in a moment." It implies a short, relatively immediate delay. If you mean something will happen much later, you should use other words or phrases.
- Wrong
- 我稍后去中国。(Wǒ shāohòu qù Zhōngguó.) - I'll go to China later.
Unless you mean you are literally leaving for China in the next few minutes, this sounds incorrect. You're probably thinking of a trip much further in the future.
- Right
- 我下个月去中国。(Wǒ xià gè yuè qù Zhōngguó.) - I'll go to China next month.
§ Confusing 稍后 with 'Later On' in a Narrative
While 稍后 means 'later' in a general sense, it's not typically used to describe things that happened 'later on' in a story or a sequence of events in the past. For past events, you'd usually use words like 后来 (hòulái) or 之后 (zhīhòu).
- Wrong
- 他吃了饭，稍后去看了电影。(Tā chī le fàn, shāohòu qù kàn le diànyǐng.) - He ate, later went to watch a movie.
This sounds awkward because 稍后 implies a future action from the speaker's perspective, not a sequence of past events.
- Right
- 他吃了饭，后来去看了电影。(Tā chī le fàn, hòulái qù kàn le diànyǐng.) - He ate, and later on went to watch a movie.
§ Overusing 稍后 Instead of More Direct Phrases
Sometimes learners use 稍后 even when a more direct or common way to say "in a bit" or "soon" exists, especially in casual conversation. While not strictly incorrect, it can sound a bit formal or less natural in certain contexts.
- Acceptable but maybe not most natural
- 我稍后给你打电话。(Wǒ shāohòu gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.) - I'll call you later.
This is perfectly understandable, but in very casual settings, you might hear alternatives.
- More Natural/Casual Alternatives
- 我过一会儿给你打电话。(Wǒ guò yīhuǐr gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.) - I'll call you in a bit.
- 我等会儿给你打电话。(Wǒ děng huìr gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.) - I'll call you in a moment (lit. wait a moment).
§ Using 稍后 with an Explicit Time Frame
Because 稍后 already implies "a short while later," adding another specific short time frame immediately after it can be redundant or sound a bit off. For example, saying "稍后十分钟" (shāohòu shí fēnzhōng - later ten minutes) isn't standard.
- Wrong
- 我稍后五分钟回来。(Wǒ shāohòu wǔ fēnzhōng huílái.) - I'll be back five minutes later.
It's better to just state the time frame directly.
- Right
- 我五分钟后回来。(Wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng hòu huílái.) - I'll be back in five minutes.
§ Understanding 稍后 (shāohòu)
You've learned that 稍后 (shāohòu) means 'later' or 'in a moment'. It's a useful adverb to express something that will happen after a short period. But how does it compare to other words that also mean 'later'?
- DEFINITION
- 稍后 (shāohòu): Later; in a moment.
Let's look at some examples of 稍后 in action:
我们稍后再聊。
Wǒmen shāohòu zài liáo. (Let's chat later.)
请稍后。
Qǐng shāohòu. (Please wait a moment.)
§ 稍后 (shāohòu) vs. 以后 (yǐhòu)
This is where things can get a little tricky for English speakers because both can translate to 'later'. However, they have different nuances.
稍后 (shāohòu) implies a relatively short period of time. It's like saying 'in a little while' or 'shortly'. Think minutes or a few hours, not days or weeks. It's often used in more formal or polite contexts, like customer service or when you're asking someone to wait briefly.
以后 (yǐhòu) is much broader. It can mean 'later' in general, 'after' a certain point in time, or 'in the future'. The time frame for 以后 can be short or very long. It's a more versatile word and is used more frequently in everyday conversation.
§ When to use 稍后 (shāohòu)
Use 稍后 when:
You want to politely ask someone to wait for a short time:
请您稍后，我马上回来。
Qǐng nín shāohòu, wǒ mǎshàng huílái. (Please wait a moment, I'll be right back.)
You're referring to an action that will happen soon:
他稍后会给你打电话。
Tā shāohòu huì gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà. (He will call you later.)
§ When to use 以后 (yǐhòu)
Use 以后 when:
You're talking about an unspecified time in the future:
我以后想去中国旅行。
Wǒ yǐhòu xiǎng qù Zhōngguó lǚxíng. (I want to travel to China in the future.)
You're referring to 'after' a specific event:
吃完饭以后我们去看电影。
Chī wán fàn yǐhòu wǒmen qù kàn diànyǐng. (After eating, we'll go watch a movie.)
§ Other similar phrases
一会儿 (yīhuìr): This also means 'a moment' or 'a little while'. It's very similar to 稍后 in meaning and usage for short periods, but perhaps a bit more casual. You can use it interchangeably with 稍后 in many situations where you're asking someone to wait or referring to something happening very soon.
等一会儿。
Děng yīhuìr. (Wait a moment.)
过一会儿 (guò yīhuìr): This also means 'after a while' or 'in a little bit'. It's similar to 一会儿 but can sometimes imply a slightly longer, but still short, period. It often suggests something will happen once a small amount of time has passed.
过一会儿他就会到。
Guò yīhuìr tā jiù huì dào. (In a little while he'll arrive.)
§ Key takeaway
While all these words relate to 'later', 稍后 (shāohòu) is your go-to for polite, short delays or actions happening very soon. 以后 (yǐhòu) is for general future events or 'after' specific occurrences, regardless of how far in the future. 一会儿 (yīhuìr) and 过一会儿 (guò yīhuìr) are good casual alternatives for short delays, often used interchangeably with 稍后 in less formal settings.
How Formal Is It?
"您需要稍后提交申请。 (Nín xūyào shāohòu tíjiāo shēnqǐng.) You need to submit the application later."
"我一会儿回来。 (Wǒ yīhuìr huílái.) I'll be back in a moment."
"等下再说。 (Děngxià zàishuō.) Let's talk about it later."
"我们等等再吃糖。 (Wǒmen děngděng zài chī táng.) We'll eat candy later."
"我回头找你。 (Wǒ huítóu zhǎo nǐ.) I'll hit you up later."
Beispiele nach Niveau
我稍后给你打电话。
I will call you later.
你稍后再来。
You come again later.
我们稍后再说。
We'll talk later.
他稍后会到。
He will arrive later.
我稍后吃。
I'll eat later.
她稍后学习。
She will study later.
我们稍后看电影。
We'll watch a movie later.
请稍等，我稍后回来。
Please wait a moment, I'll be back later.
我稍后给你回电话。
I'll call you back later.
请稍后，我马上回来。
Please wait a moment, I'll be right back.
我们稍后再讨论这个问题。
We'll discuss this issue later.
稍后我会把文件发给你。
I will send you the document later.
他稍后会到。
He will arrive later.
稍后见！
See you later!
稍后我会去超市买菜。
I will go to the supermarket to buy groceries later.
我们稍后可以一起吃晚饭。
We can have dinner together later.
我稍后给你回电话。
I'll call you back later.
稍后 is an adverb, placed before the verb '回电话'.
我们稍后再讨论这个问题。
Let's discuss this issue later.
稍后 modifies the verb '讨论'.
我稍后会把文件发给你。
I will send you the document later.
会稍后 is a common construction for future actions.
他稍后会来我们办公室。
He will come to our office in a moment.
稍后 indicates a near future action.
稍等一下，我稍后就到。
Please wait a moment, I'll be there shortly.
稍后 can be used independently or with other time expressions.
稍后我会把细节告诉你。
I will tell you the details later.
The placement of 稍后 before the verb is flexible but often preferred.
稍后我需要核对一下数据。
I need to verify the data later.
稍后 can express a postponed action.
我们稍后再通知你结果。
We will inform you of the results later.
稍后 is a polite way to indicate a delay.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
我稍后会给你打电话。
I will call you later.
我们稍后再讨论这个问题。
We will discuss this issue later.
请稍后片刻。
Please wait a moment.
他稍后会回来。
He will be back later.
稍后我会发邮件给你。
I will send you an email later.
稍后见！
See you later!
会议稍后开始。
The meeting starts later.
稍后我来帮你。
I'll come help you later.
你稍后有空吗？
Are you free later?
稍后我会把文件发给你。
I will send you the document later.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
While 马上 means 'immediately' or 'right away,' 稍后 implies a short delay, not instant action.
将来 refers to the distant future, whereas 稍后 refers to the near future or 'in a moment'.
过去 refers to the past, while 稍后 refers to the future. They are opposites in terms of time reference.
Grammatikmuster
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"稍后回来"
Come back later.
我稍后回来找你。 (I'll come back to find you later.)
neutral"稍后联系"
Contact later.
有什么事稍后联系我吧。 (If there's anything, contact me later.)
neutral"稍后再说"
Talk about it later.
这件事我们稍后再说。 (Let's talk about this later.)
neutral"请稍后"
Please wait a moment/Please hold.
请稍后，我马上回来。 (Please hold, I'll be right back.)
neutral"稍后处理"
Handle later.
这些文件稍后处理。 (These documents will be handled later.)
neutral"稍后通知"
Notify later.
结果稍后通知你。 (I'll notify you of the results later.)
neutral"稍后见面"
Meet later.
我们稍后见面吧。 (Let's meet later.)
neutral"稍后抵达"
Arrive later.
他稍后抵达。 (He will arrive later.)
neutral"稍后给你"
Give to you later.
我稍后给你答案。 (I'll give you the answer later.)
neutral"稍后过去"
Go over later.
我稍后过去看看。 (I'll go over and take a look later.)
neutralLeicht verwechselbar
Both 然后 and 稍后 can refer to things happening after a certain point. However, 然后 typically introduces the next step in a sequence or a subsequent event.
然后 means 'then' or 'after that,' indicating a sequence. 稍后 means 'later' or 'in a moment,' indicating a short delay.
他先吃了早饭，然后去上班。(Tā xiān chī le zǎofàn, ránhòu qù shàngbān.) - He first ate breakfast, then went to work.
Both 以后 and 稍后 refer to a point in time after the present. However, 以后 is more general and can refer to any time in the future, near or far.
以后 means 'after' or 'in the future,' a more general timeframe. 稍后 is specific to 'a little later' or 'in a moment.'
我以后会再来这里。(Wǒ yǐhòu huì zài lái zhèlǐ.) - I will come here again in the future.
Both 等一下 and 稍后 imply a short wait. However, 等一下 is often used as a command or a request to 'wait a moment.'
等一下 is usually a direct request to wait. 稍后 is an adverb indicating an action will happen shortly.
请等一下，我马上回来。(Qǐng děng yíxià, wǒ mǎshàng huílái.) - Please wait a moment, I'll be right back.
Both phrases refer to something happening after a brief interval. 过一会儿 is very similar to 稍后 in meaning.
过一会儿 and 稍后 are largely interchangeable, though 稍后 might sound slightly more formal in some contexts.
我们过一会儿再谈这个吧。(Wǒmen guò yíhuìr zài tán zhège ba.) - Let's talk about this a little later.
一会儿 can mean 'a moment' or 'a little while,' similar to the concept of 'later' in 稍后.
一会儿 can also refer to a short duration of time that has already passed or is currently passing. 稍后 specifically points to a future action.
他来了一会儿就走了。(Tā lái le yíhuìr jiù zǒu le.) - He stayed for a little while and then left.
Satzmuster
稍后 + verb phrase
我稍后给你打电话。 (I'll call you later.)
verb phrase + 稍后
我需要稍后回复你。 (I need to reply to you later.)
稍后见。
稍后见。 (See you later.)
稍后 + 再 + verb
我们稍后再说吧。 (Let's talk later.)
请稍后。
请稍后，我马上回来。 (Please wait a moment, I'll be right back.)
我稍后会...
我稍后会把文件发给你。 (I will send you the document later.)
关于...稍后会...
关于这个问题，我们稍后会讨论。 (Regarding this issue, we will discuss it later.)
X 稍后 Y
他稍后向我解释了原因。 (He explained the reason to me later.)
So verwendest du es
稍后 (shāohòu) means 'later' or 'in a moment'. It's commonly used to indicate a short delay before an action.
Examples:
我们稍后再谈。 (Wǒmen shāohòu zài tán.) - We'll talk later.
请稍后，我马上回来。 (Qǐng shāohòu, wǒ mǎshàng huílái.) - Please wait a moment, I'll be right back.
A common mistake is confusing 稍后 with other terms for 'later' or 'afterward' such as 以后 (yǐhòu) or 后来 (hòulái).
稍后 implies a relatively short and immediate 'later', often within the same conversation or immediate timeframe.
以后 (yǐhòu) is more general and can refer to any time in the future, from a few minutes to years.
Example: 我以后会去中国。 (Wǒ yǐhòu huì qù Zhōngguó.) - I will go to China in the future.
后来 (hòulái) refers to 'later' in the past, describing something that happened after another past event.
Example: 他先吃了饭，后来去散步了。 (Tā xiān chī le fàn, hòulái qù sànbù le.) - He ate first, and then went for a walk.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Customer service scenarios, like a waiter telling you they'll bring something soon.
- 我稍后给您送过来。
- 请您稍后。
- 我稍后回来。
Making plans with friends, suggesting to meet up or do something a bit later.
- 我们稍后再去吧。
- 稍后见！
- 稍后聊。
In a work environment, indicating that a task will be handled shortly.
- 我稍后处理。
- 稍后通知您。
- 这项任务稍后完成。
Waiting for information or an update, someone telling you they'll provide it soon.
- 稍后会公布结果。
- 请稍后查看。
- 我们稍后更新信息。
In technology, like a system message indicating a process will start soon.
- 系统稍后自动重启。
- 您的请求稍后处理。
- 请稍后重试。
Gesprächseinstiege
"我稍后可以再给您打电话吗？(Can I call you back a little later?)"
"我们稍后出去走走，怎么样？(How about we go out for a walk later?)"
"你稍后有空吗？(Are you free later/in a moment?)"
"我可以稍后给您发邮件吗？(Can I email you later?)"
"我们稍后再讨论这个好吗？(Shall we discuss this a bit later?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今天有什么事情你打算稍后完成？(What's something you plan to finish later today?)
如果你可以告诉未来的自己“稍后”做什么，你会说什么？(If you could tell your future self to do something "later," what would you say?)
回想一个你被告知“稍后”会发生的事情，结果怎么样？(Think of a time you were told something would happen "later." How did it turn out?)
写一篇关于等待某事的短文，其中至少用三次“稍后”。(Write a short story about waiting for something, using "稍后" at least three times.)
“稍后”对你来说意味着多久？为什么？(How long does "稍后" mean to you? Why?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenBoth 稍后 (shāohòu) and 等一下 (děng yī xià) mean 'later' or 'in a moment.' However, 稍后 is generally more formal and often implies a slightly longer wait than 等一下. Think of 稍后 as 'a little later' and 等一下 as 'wait a moment.' For instance, if a customer service representative tells you 稍后联系 (shāohòu liánxì), it means they will contact you a bit later, perhaps in an hour or two. If your friend says 你等一下 (nǐ děng yī xià) before hanging up, they probably mean 'wait just a second.'
Examples:
稍后联系您。
We will contact you later.
请稍后片刻。
Please wait a moment. (Slightly more formal)
等一下我来找你。
I'll come find you in a moment.
你等一下，我接个电话。
Wait a second, I'm taking a call.
Generally, 稍后 implies a relatively short period of time, usually within the same day or very soon. For 'tomorrow' or 'much later,' you'd use different words.
For 'tomorrow,' use 明天 (míngtiān).
Example: 我们明天再谈吧。
Let's talk about it again tomorrow.
For 'later' in a general sense, or 'at a later time,' you might use 以后 (yǐhòu) or 晚些时候 (wǎn xiē shíhou).
Example: 我们以后再说吧。
Let's talk about it later. (Indefinite future)
Example: 我晚些时候会给你打电话。
I'll call you later (this evening/today).
Yes, 稍后 is considered a polite and respectful way to ask someone to wait or to indicate something will happen later. It's often used in formal or semi-formal settings, like customer service, official announcements, or when speaking to someone you want to show respect to. Using 稍后 can make your communication sound more professional.
Example: 节目将在稍后开始。
The show will start shortly.
请稍后，我为您查询。
Please wait a moment, I'm checking for you.
You can place 稍后 before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence to indicate that the action will happen later. It's quite straightforward.
Structure 1: Subject + 稍后 + Verb Phrase
Example: 我稍后会打电话给你。
I will call you later.
Structure 2: 稍后 + Subject + Verb Phrase (more common when providing an update or instruction)
Example: 稍后我们会通知您。
We will notify you later.
You can also use it to suggest waiting:
Example: 我们稍后决定吧。
Let's decide later.
Yes, that's exactly one of its main uses. 稍后 conveys the idea of 'after a short period' or 'in a short while.' It suggests a brief delay before something happens.
Example: 比赛稍后将重新开始。
The game will restart after a short while.
他稍后就到。
He'll arrive shortly.
While 稍后 is polite and commonly understood, in very casual, everyday conversations among close friends or family, you might hear 等一下 (děng yī xià) or 晚点 (wǎndiǎn) more often. 稍后 has a slightly more formal feel, so its usage depends on the context and your relationship with the person you're speaking to. However, it's perfectly fine to use it in everyday situations if you want to sound more formal or polite.
Casual: 我等下给你发信息。
I'll text you in a bit.
More formal/polite: 我稍后会给您发信息。
I will text you later.
The character for 'shao' in 稍后 is 稍. It means 'a little,' 'slightly,' or 'a bit.' Together with 后 (hòu), which means 'after' or 'later,' it forms 'a little later.'
稍 (shāo) - 'a little', 'slightly'
后 (hòu) - 'after', 'later'
Combined: 稍后 (shāohòu) - 'later', 'in a moment', 'shortly'.
Yes, there are a few common phrases where 稍后 is frequently used. These are great for practical communication.
请稍后 (qǐng shāohòu) - Please wait a moment / Please hold.
Example: 请稍后，我帮您查一下。
Please wait a moment, I'll check for you.
稍后联系 (shāohòu liánxì) - Contact later.
Example: 我们稍后联系您确认。
We will contact you later to confirm.
稍后通知 (shāohòu tōngzhī) - Notify later.
Example: 具体时间稍后通知。
The specific time will be notified later.
稍后 is quite similar to 'soon' or 'shortly' in English. It implies that something will happen without a long delay. However, 'soon' can sometimes refer to a longer timeframe than 稍后 typically does in Chinese. 稍后 is generally more immediate than a very distant 'soon.'
Think of it as 'in a little while' or 'in a moment' for 稍后.
Example: 电影稍后开始。
The movie will start soon/shortly.
Example: 他稍后回来。
He'll be back soon/in a moment.
No, 稍后 is exclusively used for future events. It indicates something that will happen 'later' or 'in a moment' from the present point in time. It cannot be used to describe something that happened 'a little while after' a past event. For past events, you would use different structures, often involving verbs like 之后 (zhīhòu) or 过了 (guò le) or expressions like 不久 (bùjiǔ) for 'not long after'.
Incorrect usage: 昨天他来了，稍后我们去吃饭了。
Correct usage (for past): 昨天他来了，之后我们去吃饭了。
Yesterday he came, and after that we went to eat.
Correct usage (for past): 昨天他来了，不久我们就去吃饭了。
Yesterday he came, and soon after we went to eat.
Teste dich selbst 108 Fragen
Choose the correct translation for “稍后” in the sentence: “我稍后会给你打电话。”
“稍后” means 'later' or 'in a moment', so the sentence means 'I will call you later.'
Which of these situations would you use “稍后”?
“稍后” refers to a short period of time in the future.
If someone says “请稍后”, what do they mean?
“请” means 'please' and “稍后” means 'a moment later', so “请稍后” means 'please wait a moment'.
“稍后” means 'now'.
“稍后” means 'later' or 'in a moment', not 'now'.
You can use “稍后” to talk about something you will do soon.
“稍后” is used to indicate an action that will happen in the near future.
“稍后” is used to describe something that happened yesterday.
“稍后” is an adverb of time referring to the future, not the past.
What does the speaker say they will do later?
What is the speaker asking you to do?
When will they meet?
Read this aloud:
我稍后回来。
Focus: shāohòu
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你稍后有时间吗？
Focus: yǒu shíjiān
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
稍后再说。
Focus: zài shuō
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You just arrived at a friend's house, but they are busy. Write a sentence telling them you will wait a bit. Use 稍后.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我稍后会等你。
You are making plans with a friend. Write a sentence suggesting you can discuss the details later. Use 稍后.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们稍后再说。
You are talking to someone on the phone and need to call them back. Write a sentence saying you will call them back later. Use 稍后.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我稍后会给你打电话。
What does B want to do?
Read this passage:
A: 你现在有空吗？(Are you free now?) B: 我现在有点忙，我们稍后再聊吧。(I'm a bit busy now, let's chat later.)
What does B want to do?
B said '我们稍后再聊吧' which means 'let's chat later'.
B said '我们稍后再聊吧' which means 'let's chat later'.
When will B cook?
Read this passage:
A: 我们什么时候吃饭？(When are we eating?) B: 我稍后会做饭。(I will cook later.)
When will B cook?
B said '稍后会做饭' which means 'will cook later'.
B said '稍后会做饭' which means 'will cook later'.
When can B help?
Read this passage:
A: 你可以帮我吗？(Can you help me?) B: 我现在不行，稍后可以吗？(I can't now, can it be later?)
When can B help?
B said '稍后可以吗' which means 'can it be later'.
B said '稍后可以吗' which means 'can it be later'.
This means 'I will eat later.'
This means 'She will come later.'
This means 'We will work later.'
我 ___ 再给你打电话。
This sentence means 'I will call you back later.' '稍后' fits the meaning of 'later'.
请你 ___ 过来一下。
The sentence means 'Please come over in a moment.' '稍后' means 'in a moment'.
我们 ___ 吃饭吧。
This sentence translates to 'Let's eat later.' '稍后' means 'later'.
他 ___ 会来办公室。
This sentence means 'He will come to the office later.' '稍后' is the correct word for 'later'.
我 ___ 回复你的邮件。
This means 'I will reply to your email later.' '稍后' is the best fit.
电影 ___ 开始。
The sentence means 'The movie will start in a moment.' '稍后' is the appropriate choice.
Which sentence correctly uses “稍后”?
“稍后” is an adverb, it usually comes before the verb, or at the beginning of a sentence. It should modify the verb '吃饭' (to eat). '我们稍后吃饭' (We eat later) is the most natural and grammatically correct.
What is the best English translation for “我稍后给你打电话”?
“稍后” means 'later' or 'in a moment', and the context implies a future action. '给你打电话' means 'call you'. So, 'I'll call you later' or 'I will call you in a moment' are correct. The options 'I'll call you later' is the most direct and common translation.
Which word is closest in meaning to “稍后”?
“稍后” means 'later' or 'in a moment'. “马上” also means 'immediately' or 'soon'. While not exactly the same, they both refer to a near future action, making “马上” the closest among the choices. “现在” means 'now', “以前” means 'before', and “昨天” means 'yesterday'.
“稍后” can be used to describe something that happened yesterday.
“稍后” refers to a future time, meaning 'later' or 'in a moment'. It cannot be used to describe past events like 'yesterday'.
If someone says “我稍后回来”, it means they will come back immediately.
“稍后” means 'later' or 'in a moment', not 'immediately'. So, '我稍后回来' means 'I'll come back later' or 'I'll come back in a moment', which is not 'immediately'.
The sentence “稍后我会告诉你” means 'I will tell you later'.
“稍后” means 'later' or 'in a moment'. “我会告诉你” means 'I will tell you'. Therefore, the sentence means 'I will tell you later'.
Someone will call you.
They can discuss something again.
A common farewell.
Read this aloud:
我稍后给你回电话。
Focus: 稍后 (shāohòu)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
稍后我会把文件发给你。
Focus: 发给你 (fā gěi nǐ)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果你有空，我们稍后聊聊。
Focus: 聊聊 (liáoliao)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a sentence telling someone you will call them back later.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我稍后会给你回电话。
Write a sentence saying you will eat later.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我稍后吃饭。
Write a sentence asking if someone can come later.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你稍后能来吗？
When will B help A?
Read this passage:
A: 你现在能帮我吗？ B: 对不起，我现在很忙。我稍后帮你。
When will B help A?
B says '我稍后帮你' which means 'I will help you later'.
B says '我稍后帮你' which means 'I will help you later'.
What does B suggest doing?
Read this passage:
A: 我们什么时候去看电影？ B: 稍后吧，现在太早了。
What does B suggest doing?
B says '稍后吧' which means 'later' in this context, implying they should go later.
B says '稍后吧' which means 'later' in this context, implying they should go later.
What will the manager do later?
Read this passage:
经理说他稍后会开会。请大家准备一下。
What will the manager do later?
The passage states '他稍后会开会', meaning 'he will have a meeting later'.
The passage states '他稍后会开会', meaning 'he will have a meeting later'.
Choose the correct way to say 'I'll call you later.'
In Chinese, adverbs of time like '稍后' usually come before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence. '我稍后给你打电话' directly translates to 'I later give you make a call,' which is the most natural and grammatically correct phrasing.
Which sentence correctly uses '稍后' to mean 'The meeting will start in a moment.'?
'稍后' (shāohòu) functions as an adverb, typically placed before the verb or verbal phrase it modifies. In this case, it modifies '会开始' (huì kāishǐ - will start).
How would you tell someone, 'I'll be there in a moment'?
The most natural and common way to express 'I'll be there in a moment' in Chinese is '我稍后到 (Wǒ shāohòu dào).' '稍后' acts as an adverb, indicating when the action will occur.
The sentence '我们稍后讨论这个问题。' (Wǒmen shāohòu tǎolùn zhège wèntí.) means 'We will discuss this problem later.'
'稍后' directly translates to 'later' or 'in a moment,' making this sentence a correct translation.
It is grammatically correct to say '稍后我吃午饭。' (Shāohòu wǒ chī wǔfàn.) to mean 'I will eat lunch later.'
Placing '稍后' at the beginning of the sentence is grammatically correct and common to indicate that the action will happen later.
The sentence '请稍后回答我的问题。' (Qǐng shāohòu huídá wǒ de wèntí.) means 'Please answer my question immediately.'
'稍后' means 'later' or 'in a moment,' not 'immediately.' So, the sentence means 'Please answer my question later.'
The correct order is 'I' + 'later' + 'to you' + 'call back'. This means 'I will call you back later.'
The correct order is 'He' + 'later' + 'will' + 'arrive at' + 'office'. This means 'He will arrive at the office later.'
The correct order is 'We' + 'later' + 'again' + 'discuss' + 'this question'. This means 'We will discuss this question again later.'
Someone asks you to wait.
Refers to the start time of a meeting.
Someone promises to call you.
Read this aloud:
请稍后片刻。
Focus: shāo hòu piàn kè
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我稍后到。
Focus: wǒ shāo hòu dào
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
稍后我们会再联系你。
Focus: shāo hòu wǒ men huì zài lián xì nǐ
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're at a party and someone asks you to join a game. You want to, but you're in the middle of talking to someone else. How would you politely tell them you'll join later?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
谢谢你的邀请！我现在有点忙，稍后再来加入你们。
You're at a restaurant and the waiter asks if you're ready to order. You need a few more minutes to look at the menu. What would you say?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
不好意思，我们稍后再点菜。
Your friend calls you for help, but you're in a meeting. How would you tell them you'll call them back in a moment?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我正在开会，稍后给你回电话。
经理想什么时候检查报告？
Read this passage:
会议结束后，经理对秘书说：“我需要这份报告，稍后我会检查。”秘书回答：“好的，经理。我会尽快完成。”
经理想什么时候检查报告？
经理明确说了“稍后我会检查”，表示不是立刻。
经理明确说了“稍后我会检查”，表示不是立刻。
顾客为什么没有立刻点餐？
Read this passage:
服务员问：“您现在点餐吗？”顾客回答：“不，谢谢。我们想再看看菜单，稍后会叫您。”服务员礼貌地离开了。
顾客为什么没有立刻点餐？
顾客说“想再看看菜单”，并表示“稍后会叫您”，说明他们需要更多时间。
顾客说“想再看看菜单”，并表示“稍后会叫您”，说明他们需要更多时间。
小明会去和小红会合吗？
Read this passage:
小明对小红说：“我现在有急事，不能和你一起去。你先去吧，我稍后会到。”小红理解并自己先走了。
小明会去和小红会合吗？
小明说“我稍后会到”，表示他会晚一点去。
小明说“我稍后会到”，表示他会晚一点去。
This sentence means 'I will contact you later.' The structure is Subject + 稍后 (later) + 再 (again/then) + Verb + Object. '再' emphasizes that the action will happen again later.
This sentence means 'The meeting will start later, please wait patiently.' The structure is Subject + 稍后 (later) + Verb + Object, followed by a polite request. '请大家' (everyone please) is a common way to address a group.
This sentence means 'You can call him back later.' The structure is Subject + 可以 (can) + 稍后 (later) + 再 (again/then) + Verb + Object. '再' indicates a repeated action or an action that will happen at a later time.
她告诉我她会___给我答复。
“稍后”的意思是“过一会儿，之后”，在这里表示她会在晚些时候给我答复。
抱歉，我现在很忙，能否请您___再来？
“稍后”表示“一会儿之后”，符合语境中请对方晚点再来的意思。
我们___再讨论这个复杂的问题吧。
“稍后”在这里表示“过一会儿”，建议晚些时候再讨论这个复杂的问题。
“稍后”可以用作名词，指“稍后的时间”。
“稍后”是一个副词，表示时间副词，不能用作名词。
在“我稍后给你打电话”这句话中，“稍后”表示“立即”的意思。
“稍后”表示“一会儿之后”，而不是“立即”。
“稍后”和“一会儿”在某些语境下可以互换使用。
在表示“过一会儿”的意义上，“稍后”和“一会儿”可以互换，例如“稍后见”和“一会儿见”。
Someone asks you to wait.
An announcement about a meeting.
Confirming future action via email.
Read this aloud:
请稍后，我需要核实一下信息。
Focus: 稍后 (shāohòu)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我们稍后会讨论这个问题。
Focus: 稍后 (shāohòu)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
稍后我会把文件发给你。
Focus: 稍后 (shāohòu)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'We will discuss this issue later.' The adverb 稍后 (shāohòu) acts as a time indicator, placed before the verb phrase.
This sentence means 'He said he would reply to me later.' 稍后 (shāohòu) indicates a future action.
This sentence means 'Please wait a moment, I'll be right there.' '稍后片刻' (shāohòu piànkè) is a common polite phrase meaning 'wait for a moment.'
Choose the most appropriate synonym for "稍后" in this context: "会议将稍后开始，请大家耐心等待。"
While all options indicate a time, '随后' (subsequently, afterward) best captures the nuance of '稍后' (a little later) in a formal setting, implying a short but indefinite delay. '立刻', '马上', and '即刻' all mean immediately or at once.
Which sentence uses "稍后" incorrectly?
"稍后" implies a slight delay or 'a little later'. If a task is very urgent, it should be completed immediately, not 'a little later'. The other sentences use '稍后' correctly to indicate a short delay.
In a formal email, which phrase is the most natural replacement for "稍后" when you want to politely say you will reply soon?
'稍后回复' is a common and polite way to say 'reply later' or 'reply in a moment' in formal communication, implying that you will get back to them soon but not immediately. '立即回复' and '马上回复' are more urgent and less polite in this context.
The sentence "他稍后到达" means he arrived a little while ago.
"稍后" means 'later' or 'in a moment', referring to a future time. Therefore, "他稍后到达" means 'he will arrive a little later', not 'he arrived a little while ago'.
"请稍后片刻" is a polite way to ask someone to wait for a short period.
"请稍后片刻" directly translates to 'please wait for a moment later', which is a very common and polite expression in Chinese for asking someone to wait briefly.
If someone says "我稍后联系你", it means they will contact you immediately.
"我稍后联系你" means 'I will contact you a little later' or 'I will contact you in a moment', indicating a short delay, not immediate contact.
This sentence means 'Let's discuss this issue later.' The adverb 稍后 (shāohòu) 'later' usually comes after the subject and before the verb.
This sentence means 'He said he would reply to me later.' 稍后 (shāohòu) 'later' functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating when the action will happen.
This sentence means 'Could you call back later?' 稍后 (shāohòu) 'later' is placed before the verb phrase '再打电话' (zài dǎ diànhuà) 'call again'.
/ 108 correct
Perfect score!
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr work Wörter
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
