往后
When you hear 往后 (wǎng hòu), think of two main ideas: going backward physically, or looking ahead to the future. It literally means "towards back."
For example, if you're talking about moving a chair, you might say "把椅子往后挪" (bǎ yǐzi wǎng hòu nuó), meaning "move the chair backward."
But more often, especially in daily conversation, it's used to mean "from now on" or "in the future."
Like, "往后我会更努力" (wǎng hòu wǒ huì gèng nǔlì) means "From now on, I will work harder."
So, pay attention to the context to understand if someone is talking about physical movement or future events.
“往后” is a word you'll hear and use frequently. It has two main meanings that depend on the context.
First, it can mean 'backward' or 'behind'. For example, if you're talking about moving a chair, you might say 把椅子往后挪挪 (bǎ yǐzi wǎnghòu nuó nuó), meaning 'move the chair backward a bit'.
Its second common meaning is 'in the future' or 'from now on'. So, if someone says 往后我会更努力学习 (wǎnghòu wǒ huì gèng nǔlì xuéxí), it means 'From now on, I will study harder'.
Pay attention to the surrounding words to know which meaning is intended, as it's often quite clear from the situation.
When used as a noun, 往后 (wǎng hòu) primarily means 'backward' in terms of direction or 'in the future' when referring to time.
For example, if you say “往前走，不要往后看” (wǎng qián zǒu, bú yào wǎng hòu kàn), it means “walk forward, don’t look backward.”
When talking about time, “往后” can indicate something that will happen later, like “往后，我们会有更多的机会” (wǎng hòu, wǒ men huì yǒu gèng duō de jī huì) which translates to “in the future, we will have more opportunities.”
It’s a versatile word that helps to specify direction or temporal progression.
When used as a noun, 往后 (wǎng hòu) primarily means 'backward' in terms of direction, or 'in the future' when referring to time. For example, if someone says 'Look backward,' they would use 往后看 (wǎng hòu kàn). In a temporal context, it indicates something that will happen from now on. So, if you're talking about plans from this point forward, you might hear or use 往后. It’s a versatile term that can refer to either spatial or temporal progression, but always implying a direction either physically behind or chronologically ahead.
§ Don't Confuse 往后 with 以后 (yǐ hòu)
Many learners mix up 往后 (wǎng hòu) and 以后 (yǐ hòu) because both can refer to 'in the future'. While they are often interchangeable, there's a subtle difference. 以后 generally means 'after now' or 'in the future' in a broad sense, often implying a point in time. 往后, on the other hand, emphasizes a continuous progression forward from a certain point, or looking backward physically.
For example, if you want to say 'What will you do after work?', you would typically use 以后:
下班以后你打算做什么？
Using 往后 here would sound a bit unnatural because it emphasizes a continuous action or state 'from now on' rather than a specific future event.
§ Incorrect Usage for Physical Direction
When 往后 means 'backward', it's specifically for physical movement. Don't use it for abstract ideas of going backward, like 'going back on your word' or 'regressing'.
- Correct
- 往后退一步。(Wǎng hòu tuì yī bù.) - Step one step backward.
- Incorrect
- 他往后说了他的承诺。(Tā wǎng hòu shuō le tā de chéngnuò.) - This would literally mean he spoke his promise 'backward', which doesn't make sense. For 'going back on his word', you'd use something like 食言 (shíyán).
Remember, 往后 as 'backward' is almost always about a physical shift in position or direction.
§ Overusing 往后 When 以后 is Sufficient
While there are situations where 往后 and 以后 are interchangeable for 'in the future', 以后 is generally more common and versatile for simple future references. Using 往后 too much can make your speech sound a bit formal or give an unintended emphasis on a continuous period starting from now.
我以后会更努力学习。
Here, 以后 is perfectly natural. Using 往后 (我往后会更努力学习) is not strictly wrong, but it carries a nuance of 'from now on, continuously' which might not always be what you intend. Stick with 以后 for general future statements unless you specifically want to convey that continuous 'from this point forward' meaning.
§ Not Understanding the Context for 'Future' Meaning
The 'in the future' meaning of 往后 often appears in contexts that imply a change or a new starting point. It's like saying 'from this point forward'.
- When giving instructions or making plans that start now and continue:
往后几天，天气会很好。
This sentence uses 往后 to mean 'from now on for the next few days'.
- When setting a new rule or standard:
往后不许迟到。
Here, 往后 emphasizes that this rule applies continuously starting from this moment.
Paying attention to these distinctions will help you use 往后 more accurately and sound more natural in your Chinese conversations.
How Formal Is It?
"展望未来，我们有很多挑战和机遇。(Looking to the future, we have many challenges and opportunities.)"
"我以后会更努力学习。(I will study harder in the future.)"
"你回头再来找我吧。(Come find me again later.)"
"我长大以后想当一名医生。(When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.)"
"这事儿改天再说吧。(Let's talk about this another day.)"
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
往后 (wǎng hòu) can refer to 'backward' in terms of direction or position. It implies moving or looking back from a current point.
他往后退了一步。 (Tā wǎng hòu tuì le yī bù.) - He stepped backward.
It can also mean 'in the future' or 'from now on', indicating a period of time after the present.
往后我们要更努力。 (Wǎng hòu wǒmen yào gèng nǔlì.) - From now on, we need to work harder.
When referring to direction, 往后 is often used with verbs of movement such as 退 (tuì - to retreat), 走 (zǒu - to walk), or 看 (kàn - to look).
请往后看。 (Qǐng wǎng hòu kàn.) - Please look backward.
When referring to time, 往后 emphasizes a continuous or repeated action or state that will occur after the present moment.
往后别再犯同样的错误了。 (Wǎng hòu bié zài fàn tóngyàng de cuòwù le.) - Don't make the same mistake again in the future.
It can be used independently as an adverbial phrase to modify the entire sentence, indicating the temporal scope.
往后，我会更注意。 (Wǎng hòu, wǒ huì gèng zhùyì.) - In the future, I will be more careful.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
你再往前走一点，然后往后退。
You go a little further forward, then step backward.
他往后看了一眼。
He looked backward.
从今往后，我会更努力学习。
From now on, I will study harder. (往后 here means 'in the future')
请往后站，不要靠近铁轨。
Please stand back, do not get close to the tracks.
往后坐一点，后面还有空位。
Move back a bit, there are still empty seats behind.
她把头发往后梳了梳。
She combed her hair backward.
这件事情我们往后再说。
We'll talk about this matter later. (往后 here means 'in the future')
车子往后倒了一点。
The car reversed a little.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"今后"
From now on; hereafter.
今后我会更努力学习。
neutral"将来"
In the future; later.
将来我想成为一名医生。
neutral"日后"
In days to come; hereafter.
日后我们再讨论这个问题。
neutral"以后"
After; later; hereafter.
吃完饭以后我们去看电影。
neutral"向前看"
Look forward.
不要总是纠结过去，要向前看。
neutral"回头看"
Look back.
回头看看我们走过的路，真是感慨万千。
neutral"退一步海阔天空"
Step back and you'll find a wider sea and sky (meaning: compromise for greater good).
遇到矛盾时，退一步海阔天空。
informal"往事不堪回首"
The past is unbearable to recall.
那段往事不堪回首，就让它过去吧。
formal"往好处想"
Think on the bright side.
别太担心，往好处想。
informal"往坏处想"
Think on the dark side; think the worst.
你总是往坏处想，这样不好。
informalइसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
往后 (wǎng hòu) as a noun can mean two things:
- Backward: This refers to a physical direction. For example, you might say '往后退' (wǎng hòu tuì) to mean 'step backward.'
- In the future: This refers to time. For example, '往后我会更努力' (wǎng hòu wǒ huì gèng nǔ lì) means 'In the future, I will work harder.' It's often used similarly to 以后 (yǐ hòu).
A common mistake is confusing the two meanings. Pay attention to the context to determine if it refers to a direction or a point in time. While 往后 can sometimes be used similarly to 以后 (yǐ hòu), they are not always interchangeable. 以后 is generally more common for 'after' or 'in the future' in a broader sense.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of '往' (wǎng) as 'towards' and '后' (hòu) as 'behind' or 'after'. So, 'towards behind' or 'towards after'. This helps you remember both 'backward' and 'in the future'.
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a path. If you are going '往后' (wǎng hòu) physically, you are walking *backward* on the path. If you are thinking '往后' (wǎng hòu) in time, you are looking *forward* along the path to what is *after* now.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Try to form two sentences using 往后 (wǎng hòu): one meaning 'backward' and one meaning 'in the future'. Share them with a language partner or write them down. E.g., '我往后看了一眼。' (I took a look backward.) '往后我们会再见面。' (We will meet again in the future.)
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवाल往后 (wǎng hòu) has two main meanings: it can refer to 'backward' in terms of direction or time, and it can also mean 'in the future' or 'from now on'.
When referring to moving 'backward,' you can use it like this:
请往后看一眼。 (Qǐng wǎng hòu kàn yī yǎn.)
Please look backward for a moment.
Not usually for the past. While it literally means 'toward the back,' in a temporal sense, it almost exclusively refers to the future. If you want to talk about going backward in time, you'd typically use different phrases like 回到过去 (huí dào guòqù) for 'back to the past'.
When talking about 'in the future' or 'from now on,' you can say:
往后我会更努力学习。 (Wǎng hòu wǒ huì gèng nǔlì xuéxí.)
From now on, I will study harder.
It's generally quite common and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's practical and direct.
Yes, common alternatives include:
以后 (yǐhòu) - after; hereafter; later
将来 (jiānglái) - in the future; future (more formal)
从今以后 (cóng jīn yǐhòu) - from now on; henceforth (stronger emphasis on 'from this point')
Yes, you can. For example, if someone asks about future plans, you might just say:
往后看吧。 (Wǎng hòu kàn ba.)
Let's see in the future. (Literally: Look backward/forward.)
Both can mean 'in the future.' 以后 is more general and simply means 'after' or 'later.' 往后 often carries a stronger sense of 'from this point onward' or 'going forward from here.' Sometimes they are interchangeable, but 往后 can feel a bit more emphatic about the future direction.
You can combine it with verbs of movement:
请往后退一步。 (Qǐng wǎng hòu tuì yī bù.)
Please step backward one step.
Yes, absolutely. For instance, in directions:
请往后走。 (Qǐng wǎng hòu zǒu.)
Please walk toward the back/backward.
खुद को परखो 72 सवाल
我们___走吧，天快黑了。
Here, '往后' means 'backwards' or 'later on' in the sense of moving on from a current situation. The context '天快黑了' (it's getting dark) implies a need to move on or return.
你___看，那个人是谁？
In this sentence, '往后看' means to look 'backward' or 'behind'.
___我们去中国学习中文。
Here, '往后' means 'in the future'. The sentence indicates a plan for future action.
请你___退一步。
'往后退一步' means 'step back one step'. '往后' indicates the direction 'backward'.
他常常喜欢___看以前的照片。
In this context, '往后看' refers to looking 'back' in time, specifically at old photos.
___你会越来越好。
This usage of '往后' means 'from now on' or 'in the future', expressing encouragement about future improvement.
This sentence means 'He walked backward.' The order 'subject + adverb + verb' is common.
This means 'Please step backward.' '请' (qǐng) means please, '往后' (wǎng hòu) means backward, and '退' (tuì) means retreat/step back.
This means 'I look backward.' '我' (wǒ) is I, '往后' (wǎng hòu) is backward, and '看' (kàn) is look.
从今以后，你有什么计划？___ 的日子还长。
In this context, '往后' means 'in the future' or 'from now on,' fitting the meaning of 'the days ahead are still long.'
请你___ 站一点，不要挡住路。
Here, '往后' means 'backward,' indicating to step back to clear the path.
我们开会讨论一下，这件事___ 怎么办。
'往后' is used here to refer to how to handle something 'in the future' or 'from now on.'
车子应该___ 倒车入库。
'往后' means 'backward,' which is necessary for backing a car into a parking space.
你___ 有什么打算？
In this sentence, '往后' means 'in the future,' asking about future plans.
他感到后面有人推了他一下，身体不自觉地___ 倾斜。
'往后' means 'backward,' describing the direction of leaning after being pushed from behind.
Choose the correct meaning for "往后" in this sentence: 我想往后看。
In this context, 往后 means backward, referring to physical direction.
Which sentence uses "往后" to mean 'in the future'?
The phrase '往后你有什么计划?' clearly asks about future plans.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate meaning of "往后": 请你___站一点。
请你往后站一点 means 'Please stand back a little bit'.
The sentence "往后我会更努力学习" means "In the future I will study harder."
Here, 往后 refers to a period of time in the future.
In the sentence "请往后看", "往后" means 'to look forward'.
请往后看 means 'Please look backward', referring to direction.
"往后" can be used to describe both direction and time.
往后 can mean 'backward' (direction) or 'in the future' (time).
Listen for '往后' meaning 'in the future'.
Listen for '往后' meaning 'backward'.
Listen for '往后' meaning 'from now on, in the future'.
Read this aloud:
请你往后站一点。
Focus: wǎng hòu
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我往后会注意的。
Focus: wǎng hòu
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
往后别再犯同样的错误了。
Focus: wǎng hòu
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
她一直看着我，一步一步地___走。
The context implies moving away from the speaker, so '往后' (backward) fits best.
从今___，我会更加努力学习中文。
'从今往后' is a common phrase meaning 'from now on' or 'in the future'.
你___看，那个人是不是很眼熟？
In this context, '往后看' means to look back or look behind you.
未来的日子___，我会一直陪伴你。
'往后' here refers to the future, implying 'from now on' or 'going forward'.
请你___退一步，这样我们就有更多空间了。
'往后退' means to step backward.
这次失败没关系，___我们还有机会。
'往后' here means 'in the future' or 'later on', indicating future opportunities.
Is there a red car behind you?
I hope the future will be better and better.
Move back a little, it's too crowded here.
Read this aloud:
往后你会做什么？
Focus: wǎng hòu
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请往后站，不要挤。
Focus: wǎng hòu zhàn
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我往后会更努力学习。
Focus: wǎng hòu huì
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The sentence means 'Don't look backward anymore.' '往后' (backward) is placed before the verb '看' (to look) and after the subject '你' (you). '别再' (don't again) negates the action.
The sentence means 'From now on, I need to study even harder.' '往后' (in the future) indicates a future time and is placed after the subject '我' (I). '要更努力学习' means 'need to study even harder.'
The sentence means 'Please drive the car back a little.' '请' (please) is at the beginning. '把' (a grammatical particle) indicates that the object '车' (car) is acted upon. '往后开' means 'drive backward,' and '一点' means 'a little.'
她决定把过去的不愉快都放下，______要积极面对生活。
Here, '往后' means 'in the future,' indicating a positive outlook for what's to come.
公司经历了这次危机后，老板表示______会更加注重风险管理。
'往后' is used here to signify 'from now on' or 'in the future,' referring to future actions.
由于技术革新，很多旧的生产方式都将被淘汰，______我们将进入一个全新的时代。
In this context, '往后' clearly means 'in the future,' describing a new era.
“往后”在句中表示“向未来看”时，可以用来表达对未来的展望。
Correct. '往后' can indeed be used to express looking forward to the future.
当人们谈论过去发生的事情时，可以使用“往后”来指代以前。
Incorrect. '往后' refers to the future or backward in space, not the past in time. For 'formerly' or 'in the past,' other terms like '以前' or '过去' would be used.
在方向性短语中，“往后”可以表示物理上的“向后退”。
Correct. '往后' can refer to moving backward physically, as in '往后退' (step backward).
This is a common phrase used when starting a new relationship or endeavor, asking for guidance in the future.
Someone is asking you to adjust the position of a chair.
This is a reminder to reflect on past decisions and maintain focus on original objectives.
Read this aloud:
往后，我们会遇到更多的挑战。
Focus: 往后 (wǎng hòu)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请你往后站一点，这里有点挤。
Focus: 往后站 (wǎng hòu zhàn)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我往后会更努力学习中文。
Focus: 往后 (wǎng hòu)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This phrase is often used when starting a new chapter in life, like a marriage, indicating a wish for guidance and support in the future.
The speaker is warning about potential future regrets.
This sentence expresses a new relationship status, suggesting that from now on, they are family.
Read this aloud:
往后看，别忘了你的初心。
Focus: wǎng hòu kàn, bié wàng le nǐ de chū xīn.
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
往后几年，中国经济将持续增长。
Focus: wǎng hòu jǐ nián, zhōng guó jīng jì jiāng chí xù zēng zhǎng.
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他往后退了几步，又停了下来。
Focus: tā wǎng hòu tuì le jǐ bù, yòu tíng le xià lái.
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence expresses a common wish for a better future. '往后' (wǎng hòu) here means 'in the future' or 'from now on'. The natural order places '往后' before '生活' (shēnghuó - life) to indicate the time frame.
Here, '往后' (wǎng hòu) signifies a commitment to change for the future. It acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb '不再犯' (bù zài fàn - no longer make). The structure emphasizes the decision for future action.
In this context, '往后' (wǎng hòu) means 'backward'. It is a directional complement to the verb '退' (tuì - retreat/step back), indicating the direction of movement. The phrase '往后退一步' (wǎng hòu tuì yī bù) literally means 'step one step backward'.
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
