候选 in 30 Seconds
- Verb: To be a candidate for something.
- Used for positions, awards, selections.
- Implies being considered before a final decision.
- Often followed by what one is a candidate for.
The Chinese word 候选 (hòuxuǎn) is a verb that means 'to be a candidate for' or 'to be nominated for'. It's used in various contexts where an individual or item is being considered for a specific role, award, position, or selection process. Think of it as being on a list of potential choices.
- Formal Contexts
- In formal settings, 候选 is frequently used when discussing elections, job applications, scholarship selections, or award nominations. For instance, a political candidate is 候选 for an office, or a talented student might be 候选 for a scholarship. The process often involves evaluation and comparison.
- Informal Contexts
- While more common in formal situations, you might also hear 候选 in slightly less formal contexts, such as when a group is deciding on a leader for a project or discussing who might be a good fit for a team. It implies a level of serious consideration, not just casual suggestion.
- Examples of Use
- You'll often see or hear phrases like '他是总统的候选人' (Tā shì zǒngtǒng de hòuxuǎnrén - He is a presidential candidate) or '这个项目有很多候选方案' (Zhège xiàngmù yǒu hěnduō hòuxuǎn fāng'àn - This project has many candidate solutions). The word emphasizes the state of being considered before a final decision is made.
他被候选为下一任主席。
Using 候选 (hòuxuǎn) correctly involves understanding its role as a verb indicating consideration for something. It's often followed by the thing one is a candidate for, or it can stand alone when the context is clear. Here are various ways to incorporate it into your sentences:
- As a Verb Directly
- When used as a verb, 候选 implies the process of being selected or nominated. It's often used in passive constructions or when the subject is the one being considered.
- With Nouns Indicating What is Being Contested
- The most common usage is when 候选 is followed by a noun that specifies the position, award, or selection. This forms a noun phrase like 'candidate for X'.
- In Passive Voice
- Often, the subject is not actively doing the 'candidating' but is being put forward. In such cases, the sentence structure might imply a passive voice.
- With Quantifiers
- You can use numbers or general quantifiers like 'many' or 'few' before 候选 to indicate the number of candidates.
她候选了这次的奖项。
有多少人候选这个职位？
You'll encounter 候选 (hòuxuǎn) in a variety of real-world scenarios, often related to decision-making processes and selections. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp its practical application.
- Political Campaigns
- News reports, political debates, and discussions about elections are prime places to hear 候选. It's used to refer to individuals vying for elected office, such as president, mayor, or legislator. For example, '多位议员候选了市长一职' (Duō wèi yìyuán hòuxuǎnle shìzhǎng yī zhí - Several council members are candidates for the mayoralty).
- Job Recruitment
- In human resources and business settings, 候选 is used when companies are looking to fill positions. You might hear discussions about '候选人名单' (hòuxuǎnrén míngdān - list of candidates) or '谁被候选为这个职位' (Shéi bèi hòuxuǎn wèi zhège zhíwèi - Who has been nominated for this position?).
- Academic and Scholarship Selections
- Universities, foundations, and organizations use 候选 when selecting students for scholarships, grants, or admission to special programs. '她候选了著名的奖学金' (Tā hòuxuǎnle zhùmíng de jiǎngxuéjīn - She is a candidate for a prestigious scholarship) is a common sentence.
- Awards and Competitions
- When discussing nominations for awards, be it in film, literature, science, or sports, 候选 is the word used. '这部电影有资格候选最佳影片' (Zhè bù diànyǐng yǒu zīgé hòuxuǎn zuì jiā yǐngpiàn - This movie is eligible to be a candidate for Best Picture).
- Internal Company Selections
- Even within companies, for promotions or leadership roles, 候选 is used. '他被候选为部门经理' (Tā bèi hòuxuǎn wèi bùmén jīnglǐ - He is a candidate for department manager).
新闻报道中提到了多位候选人。
When learning 候选 (hòuxuǎn), learners might make a few common errors. Being aware of these can help you use the word more accurately.
- Confusing Verb and Noun Forms
- The most frequent mistake is not distinguishing between 候选 (verb: to be a candidate) and 候选人 (noun: candidate). Learners might use 候选 when they intend to say 'candidate' or vice versa. For example, saying '他是候选' when they mean 'He is a candidate' (should be '他是候选人').
- Incorrect Placement with '被' (bèi)
- While 候选 can be used in passive-like constructions, incorrectly placing '被' can sound unnatural. For instance, saying '我被候选了' might be understandable but '我被候选为...' (I was nominated for...) or '我候选了...' is often more direct and common when the subject is the one being considered.
- Overuse in Casual Conversation
- 候选 is a relatively formal term. Using it in very casual settings where a simpler word might suffice can sound a bit stiff. For example, if you're just casually suggesting someone for a small role in a game, you might use a different phrasing.
- Grammatical Errors with Modifiers
- Incorrectly attaching modifiers or using incorrect particles after 候选 can lead to grammatical errors. For example, forgetting to add '为' (wèi - for) when specifying what one is a candidate for can sometimes be an issue.
错误：他候选总统。
正确：他候选为总统。
Understanding words similar to 候选 (hòuxuǎn) will enrich your vocabulary and help you choose the most precise term for a given situation.
- 提名 (tímíng)
- Meaning: To nominate, to put forward someone's name for consideration. It's the act of officially proposing someone. Usage: More about the action of proposing. Example: '他被提名为最佳男主角。' (Tā bèi tímíng wèi zuì jiā nán zhǔjué. - He was nominated for Best Actor.) While 候选 focuses on the state of being a candidate, 提名 is the act of making someone a candidate.
- 入围 (rùwéi)
- Meaning: To be shortlisted, to make it into the final list of candidates. Usage: This implies that the initial selection process has happened and the person/item has passed to a later stage. Example: '这部电影入围了奥斯卡奖。' (Zhè bù diànyǐng rùwéile Àosīkǎ jiǎng. - This movie was shortlisted for an Oscar.) It's a more advanced stage than just being a general candidate.
- 备选 (bèixuǎn)
- Meaning: Alternative, reserve, backup candidate. Usage: Refers to a candidate who is a backup or an alternative choice, not necessarily the primary one being considered at the moment. Example: '这是我们备选的方案。' (Zhè shì wǒmen bèixuǎn de fāng'àn. - This is our backup plan/alternative solution.)
- 候选人 (hòuxuǎnrén)
- Meaning: Candidate, nominee. Usage: This is the noun form derived from 候选. It refers to the person or thing that is a candidate. Example: '他是这次选举的候选人之一。' (Tā shì zhè cì xuǎnjǔ de hòuxuǎnrén zhī yī. - He is one of the candidates in this election.) This is the most direct noun counterpart.
他被提名，并且候选了最佳男演员奖。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 候 (hòu) also appears in words related to weather, such as 气候 (qìhòu - climate), which relates to the waiting period for certain weather patterns. This connection to waiting or expecting is a consistent theme.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrectly pronouncing the 'x' sound, which is not present in English.
- Using English intonation patterns instead of Mandarin tones.
- Confusing the tones of the syllables.
- Mispronouncing the vowel sounds, especially 'uan'.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is straightforward, but understanding its nuances in formal contexts like news articles or official announcements requires practice.
Distinguishing between 候选 and 候选人, and using it correctly in passive constructions or with prepositions like '为', can be challenging for learners.
Pronunciation, especially the tones and the 'x' sound, needs attention. Using it naturally in conversation requires familiarity with its common contexts.
Recognizing the word in spoken Mandarin, especially in fast-paced news reports or formal speeches, can be tricky due to its tone and pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using '被' (bèi) for passive voice.
他被候选为这个职位。
Using '为' (wèi) to indicate the target of candidacy.
她候选为了最佳新人奖。
Using measure words with '候选人'.
有三位候选人参加了面试。
Adverbial modification of verbs.
他认真地候选这个职位。
Noun phrases with '的' (de).
这是候选人的名单。
Examples by Level
他被候选为学生会主席。
He was nominated for student council president.
Uses '被' (bèi) to indicate passive voice, common when someone is put forward for a position.
这份工作有很多候选人。
There are many candidates for this job.
Uses the noun form 候选人 (hòuxuǎnrén) meaning 'candidate'.
我们正在考虑几个候选方案。
We are considering several candidate solutions.
Applies 候选 to non-human things, indicating options being considered.
她候选了这次的文学奖。
She is a candidate for this literary award.
Direct verb usage, implying she is on the list of nominees.
学校候选了他作为交换生。
The school nominated him as an exchange student.
Implies the school acted to put him forward for the program.
有多少候选人参加了面试？
How many candidates attended the interview?
A question asking about the number of 候选人.
这个职位候选的标准很高。
The standards for candidacy for this position are high.
Refers to the requirements for being a 候选.
他候选的项目最终获得了资助。
The project he was a candidate for ultimately received funding.
Connects a candidate with the outcome of their considered project.
经过初选，有三位候选人进入了最终评审阶段。
After the preliminary selection, three candidates entered the final review stage.
Uses '进入了' (entered) to show progression in the selection process.
公司候选了两位有经验的经理来领导新部门。
The company has nominated two experienced managers to lead the new department.
Emphasizes the action of selection by the company.
他候选的这个奖项竞争非常激烈。
The award for which he is a candidate is highly competitive.
Uses a relative clause structure '他候选的这个奖项' (this award that he is a candidate for).
在众多申请者中，只有少数几位候选。
Among the many applicants, only a few are candidates.
Highlights the selective nature of the process.
委员会正在评估所有候选材料。
The committee is evaluating all candidate materials.
Refers to the materials submitted by candidates.
他候选的职位要求有五年以上的工作经验。
The position he is a candidate for requires over five years of work experience.
Links the candidate status to specific job requirements.
这次选举共有十名候选人。
There are a total of ten candidates in this election.
A straightforward statement about the number of candidates.
我们必须从候选名单中选出一人。
We must choose one person from the list of candidates.
Emphasizes the selection from a predefined list.
该大学候选了数位杰出校友担任荣誉教授。
The university has nominated several distinguished alumni to serve as honorary professors.
Formal language, '杰出校友' (distinguished alumni) and '荣誉教授' (honorary professors).
经过严谨的筛选，最终有五位候选人进入了最终的角逐。
After rigorous screening, five candidates ultimately entered the final competition.
'严谨的筛选' (rigorous screening) and '最终的角逐' (final competition) add formality.
他候选的提案在技术可行性方面得到了高度评价。
The proposal he is a candidate for received high marks for its technical feasibility.
'技术可行性' (technical feasibility) and '高度评价' (high marks) are advanced terms.
在艺术界，这位艺术家候选的每一个作品都备受瞩目。
In the art world, every work for which this artist is a candidate receives significant attention.
Refers to artistic merit and recognition.
委员会的职责是审慎评估所有候选职位。
The committee's responsibility is to prudently evaluate all candidate positions.
'审慎评估' (prudently evaluate) and '职位' (positions) are formal.
她候选的这个项目旨在解决全球性的环境问题。
The project for which she is a candidate aims to address global environmental issues.
Connects candidacy to a significant, global issue.
公司候选了三名内部员工参与国际培训计划。
The company has nominated three internal employees to participate in an international training program.
Focuses on internal selection for an international program.
候选人资格的审查极为严格，以确保公平公正。
The vetting of candidate qualifications is extremely strict to ensure fairness and impartiality.
'资格审查' (qualification vetting) and '公平公正' (fairness and impartiality) are formal.
在经过多轮的严格甄选后，仅有两位候选人脱颖而出，进入了最终的公众投票阶段。
After multiple rounds of rigorous selection, only two candidates stood out and entered the final public voting stage.
'甄选' (selection/vetting), '脱颖而出' (stand out), '公众投票阶段' (public voting stage) are advanced.
该基金会候选了若干具有颠覆性创新的初创企业，以期推动行业变革。
The foundation has nominated several startups with disruptive innovations, aiming to drive industry transformation.
'颠覆性创新' (disruptive innovations), '推动行业变革' (drive industry transformation) are sophisticated terms.
他候选的哲学著作，以其深刻的洞察力和独到的见解，在学界引起了广泛的关注。
The philosophical work for which he is a candidate, with its profound insights and unique perspectives, has garnered widespread attention in academia.
'深刻的洞察力' (profound insights), '独到的见解' (unique perspectives), '学界' (academia) are high-level.
新任首席执行官的候选人名单异常强大，每一位都具备卓越的领导才能。
The shortlist of candidates for the new CEO is exceptionally strong, with each possessing outstanding leadership abilities.
'新任首席执行官' (new CEO), '异常强大' (exceptionally strong), '卓越的领导才能' (outstanding leadership abilities).
评审委员会在权衡了所有候选方案的优劣后，最终决定采纳最具创新性的那个。
After weighing the pros and cons of all candidate proposals, the review committee finally decided to adopt the most innovative one.
'权衡' (weigh), '优劣' (pros and cons), '采纳' (adopt), '最具创新性' (most innovative).
这位外交家候选的和平倡议，旨在化解地区间的紧张局势。
The peace initiative for which this diplomat is a candidate aims to de-escalate regional tensions.
'和平倡议' (peace initiative), '化解地区间的紧张局势' (de-escalate regional tensions).
在决定是否候选该职位时，他仔细考量了其长远的职业发展前景。
When deciding whether to be a candidate for that position, he carefully considered its long-term career development prospects.
'长远的职业发展前景' (long-term career development prospects).
艺术节的组织者候选了来自世界各地的顶尖艺术家，以确保节目的国际水准。
The organizers of the art festival have nominated top artists from around the world to ensure the program's international standard.
'顶尖艺术家' (top artists), '国际水准' (international standard).
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— He is a candidate.
他是这次比赛的候选人。
— Candidate list.
我们已经有了初步的候选名单。
— Candidate solution/proposal.
这些都是候选方案，请仔细考虑。
— To be nominated/considered for...
他被候选为了部门经理。
— Candidate eligibility/qualifications.
你需要满足候选人资格才能申请。
— Many candidates.
这次有许多候选人参加面试。
— Final candidate(s).
只有两位进入了最终候选。
— Award candidate.
这部电影是最佳影片的候选。
— Candidate selection.
候选人选正在审议中。
— Not chosen as a candidate.
很遗憾，他的申请未被候选。
Often Confused With
候选 is a verb (to be a candidate), while 候选人 is a noun (candidate). You are a candidate (候选), and you are a candidate (候选人).
提名 is the act of nominating, while 候选 is the state of being considered after nomination.
入围 means to be shortlisted, which is a more advanced stage than simply being 候选.
Idioms & Expressions
— To be the center of attention; to be highly admired or scrutinized. While not directly containing 候选, the individuals who are candidates for major awards or positions often find themselves in this state.
作为奥斯卡最佳影片的候选之一，这部电影受到了万人瞩目。
— To stand out from the crowd; to distinguish oneself. This is often the goal of candidates.
在众多候选人中，他凭借出色的表现脱颖而出。
— To be highly favored; to be popular. A candidate who is 备受青睐 is likely to be a strong contender.
他是本次市长选举中最备受青睐的候选人。
— To be listed on a list; to be included. This is similar to being on a candidate list.
他的名字榜上有名，成为了奖学金的候选人之一。
— A hidden gem; someone or something of great value that has been overlooked. This can sometimes happen to candidates who are not selected.
虽然他未被候选为最佳新人，但他的表演无疑是沧海遗珠。
— To be the choice of the masses; to be widely supported. A candidate who is 众望所归 is likely to win.
在民意调查中，他一直是最众望所归的候选人。
— Dark horse; an unexpected winner or strong contender. A candidate who emerges as a surprise contender.
这位候选人起初并不被看好，却成为了黑马，赢得了最终的胜利。
— To fail to be selected; to be unsuccessful in an examination or competition. The opposite of being a successful candidate.
许多候选人都希望避免名落孙山的结局。
— To outperform all rivals; to be superior to others. A successful candidate often achieves this.
他最终力压群雄，成为了唯一的候选人并获胜。
— To be watched by everyone; to be the focus of public attention. Similar to '万人瞩目', often applies to prominent candidates.
作为奥斯卡最佳影片的候选之一，这部电影万众瞩目。
Easily Confused
Both relate to the process of selection for an award or position.
提名 is the action of proposing someone for consideration. 候选 is the state of being considered after being proposed. You can be 提名 for an award and then 候选 for that award.
他被<strong>提名</strong>了，并且<strong>候选</strong>了最佳男主角奖。
Both indicate a person or item is among those being considered for a final prize.
入围 means to be shortlisted, implying a winnowing down from a larger pool. 候选 is a more general term for being considered, which could be at any stage, including before being shortlisted.
这部电影<strong>入围</strong>了，成为了最佳影片的<strong>候选</strong>之一。
Both are related to seeking positions.
应征 means to apply for a job or position. 候选 means to be considered for a position after applying or being nominated. One applies (应征) to become a candidate (候选).
他<strong>应征</strong>了这份工作，希望能成为<strong>候选</strong>人。
Candidates are often in a competitive situation.
竞争 means to compete or contest. 候选 describes the state of being a participant in that competition for a specific role or award.
多位<strong>候选人</strong>正在<strong>竞争</strong>这个职位。
Both involve selection processes.
选拔 is the act of selecting or choosing, often implying a rigorous process. 候选 is the state of being considered during that selection process.
公司正在<strong>选拔</strong>新的人才，他也被<strong>候选</strong>了。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 候选 + (为) + Object
他<strong>候选</strong>为这个奖项。
Subject + 被 + 候选 + (为) + Object
她被<strong>候选</strong>为最佳女主角。
Number + 候选人 + (Subject/Object)
有五位<strong>候选人</strong>参加了面试。
Object + (Subject) + 候选
这部电影<strong>候选</strong>了最佳影片奖。
Subject + 候选 + 的 + Noun Phrase
他<strong>候选</strong>的职位要求很高。
Subject + 正在/已 + 候选 + (为/对象)
委员会<strong>正在候选</strong>几位杰出科学家。
Noun Phrase + (Subject) + 候选 + 的 + Noun Phrase
<strong>候选</strong>的方案<strong>的</strong>可行性很高。
Subject + 经过 + Process + 候选 + Object
经过多轮筛选，他<strong>候选</strong>了最终的名单。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 候选 as a noun.
→
候选人
Learners often forget to add '人' (rén) to make it the noun 'candidate'. For example, saying '他是<strong>候选</strong>' instead of '他是<strong>候选人</strong>'.
-
Incorrectly using '被' (bèi) without a clear passive meaning.
→
他被<strong>候选</strong>为这个职位。
While '被' indicates passive voice, simply saying '我被<strong>候选</strong>了' might be less common or clear than specifying what one is a candidate for, e.g., '我被<strong>候选</strong>为部门经理'.
-
Confusing 候选 with 提名.
→
他被<strong>提名</strong>，并且<strong>候选</strong>了奖项。
提名 is the act of proposing, while 候选 is the state of being considered. You can be nominated (提名) and then be a candidate (候选).
-
Using 候选 in overly casual conversation.
→
他被<strong>选</strong>为小组长。
For very informal selections, simpler verbs like '选' (xuǎn - to choose) might be more appropriate than the more formal 候选.
-
Mispronouncing the 'x' sound.
→
hòu xuǎn
The 'x' sound in 选 is unique to Mandarin and requires specific tongue placement. Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstanding.
Tips
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that 候选 is a verb. If you want to refer to the person or thing that is a candidate, you must use the noun form 候选人 (hòuxuǎnrén).
Mastering the 'X' Sound
The 'x' in 选 (xuǎn) is a tricky sound for English speakers. Practice making the 'sh' sound but with your tongue tip closer to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth. Listen to native speakers and mimic them.
Formal Situations
候选 is most commonly used in formal or semi-formal settings like news reports, official announcements, job applications, and award ceremonies. Avoid using it in very casual conversations unless the context clearly calls for it.
Link to 'Waiting'
Connect the character 候 (hòu) to the idea of 'waiting'. A candidate is someone who is waiting to be chosen. This mnemonic can help you recall the meaning.
Building on Related Words
Learn related words like 提名 (nominate), 入围 (shortlist), and 淘汰 (eliminate) to understand the full spectrum of selection processes.
Passive Voice with '被'
Often, someone is not actively 'candidating' but is being put forward. Use the passive marker '被' (bèi) in such cases: '他被候选为...' (He was nominated as...).
Sentence Construction
Create your own sentences using 候选 for different scenarios: a political election, a job opening, a scholarship application. This active practice solidifies your understanding.
Meritocracy and Selection
Understand that in many Chinese contexts, selection processes are formal and merit-based. 候选 reflects this emphasis on careful consideration and evaluation.
候选 vs. 竞争
While candidates compete (竞争), 候选 refers to the state of being a participant in that competition. They are not interchangeable.
Real-World Scenarios
Listen for 候选 in Chinese news, movies, and dramas. This will help you hear how native speakers use it naturally in various contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a person 'waiting' (候) to be 'chosen' (选) for a special award. They are standing by, hoping to be selected. This waiting to be chosen is what it means to be a candidate.
Visual Association
Picture a person standing at a podium, holding a microphone, with a spotlight on them. Behind them is a sign that says 'Candidate' (候选). They are waiting for the announcement of who will be selected.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a situation where someone is a candidate for something (e.g., a job, an award, a role in a play) using the word 候选 in your description. Focus on the feeling of waiting and being considered.
Word Origin
The word 候选 (hòuxuǎn) is a compound word formed from two characters: 候 (hòu) and 选 (xuǎn). 候 historically meant 'to wait', 'to expect', or 'to inquire'. 选 means 'to choose' or 'to select'. Together, they convey the idea of waiting to be chosen or being in a state of selection.
Original meaning: The character 候 (hòu) originally depicted a person standing by a watchtower, waiting. This imagery of waiting is central to the meaning of 'candidate', as a candidate waits to be selected. The character 选 (xuǎn) has always been associated with the act of choosing.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
The term 候选 itself is neutral. However, the context in which it is used (e.g., political elections, competitive job markets) can be sensitive and carry significant implications for individuals.
In English-speaking contexts, 'candidate' is a very common term used across similar situations, from elections to job applications.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Elections and Politics
- 总统候选人 (zǒngtǒng hòuxuǎnrén) - presidential candidate
- 市长候选人 (shìzhǎng hòuxuǎnrén) - mayoral candidate
- 被候选为议员 (bèi hòuxuǎn wèi yìyuán) - nominated to be a council member
Job Applications and Recruitment
- 职位候选人 (zhíwèi hòuxuǎnrén) - position candidate
- 候选人名单 (hòuxuǎnrén míngdān) - candidate list
- 申请被候选 (shēnqǐng bèi hòuxuǎn) - application is considered
Awards and Competitions
- 奖项候选人 (jiǎngxiàng hòuxuǎnrén) - award candidate
- 最佳影片候选 (zuì jiā yǐngpiàn hòuxuǎn) - best picture candidate
- 被候选为年度人物 (bèi hòuxuǎn wèi niándù rénwù) - nominated as person of the year
Academic Selections (Scholarships, Programs)
- 奖学金候选人 (jiǎngxuéjīn hòuxuǎnrén) - scholarship candidate
- 被候选为交换生 (bèi hòuxuǎn wèi jiāohuàn shēng) - nominated as an exchange student
- 项目候选方案 (xiàngmù hòuxuǎn fāng'àn) - project candidate proposal
Internal Company Selections (Promotions, Projects)
- 部门经理候选 (bùmén jīnglǐ hòuxuǎn) - department manager candidate
- 团队候选人 (tuánduì hòuxuǎnrén) - team candidate
- 被候选领导项目 (bèi hòuxuǎn lǐngdǎo xiàngmù) - nominated to lead a project
Conversation Starters
"Have you heard about the candidates for the upcoming election?"
"Do you know anyone who is a candidate for that scholarship?"
"What do you think makes a good candidate for a leadership position?"
"If you could nominate anyone for an award, who would it be and why?"
"How do companies usually decide on their candidates for a new role?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were a candidate for something. What was the process like, and how did you feel?
Imagine you are on a committee selecting candidates for an award. What criteria would you use?
Think about a fictional character who was a candidate for an important role. What challenges did they face?
Write about the qualities that make someone a strong candidate for a job you aspire to have.
Reflect on a situation where you had to choose between several candidate options. How did you make your decision?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions候选 (hòuxuǎn) is a verb meaning 'to be a candidate for'. 候选人 (hòuxuǎnrén) is a noun meaning 'candidate' or 'nominee'. For example, '他候选为经理' (He is a candidate for manager - verb), and '他是经理的候选人' (He is a candidate for manager - noun).
Yes, absolutely. 候选 can be used for proposals, solutions, projects, or even items being considered for an award. For example, '我们有几个候选方案' (We have several candidate solutions).
Use 候选 when someone or something is being considered for a specific role, award, or selection process, and a final decision has not yet been made. It's common in formal and semi-formal contexts like elections, job applications, and award nominations.
A common pattern is Subject + 候选 + (为) + Object. For example, '他候选为这个奖项' (He is a candidate for this award). You can also use the passive marker '被': '他被候选为这个奖项'.
Yes, similar words include 提名 (tímíng - to nominate), 入围 (rùwéi - to be shortlisted), and 备选 (bèixuǎn - alternative/backup). These words often describe different stages or aspects of the selection process.
The pronunciation is hòu xuǎn. 候 (hòu) is pronounced with a falling-rising tone (4th tone), and 选 (xuǎn) is pronounced with a falling tone (3rd tone). The 'x' sound is a voiceless alveolo-palatal fricative, similar to 'sh' but made further forward in the mouth.
Generally, yes. It's more formal than simply saying 'to apply' or 'to try out'. It's commonly found in news, official announcements, and business contexts.
竞争 (jìngzhēng) means 'to compete' or 'to contest'. 候选 describes the state of being a participant in that competition for a specific role or award. For example, '多位候选人正在竞争这个职位' (Several candidates are competing for this position).
No. 候选 implies a state of being considered *before* a final decision is made. Once the selection is complete, you would use words like 获奖 (huòjiǎng - to win an award) or 落选 (luòxuǎn - to fail to be selected).
You can say '他被候选了' (Tā bèi hòuxuǎn le) or more specifically, '他被候选为...' (Tā bèi hòuxuǎn wèi...) followed by the position or award.
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Summary
候选 (hòuxuǎn) is a verb meaning 'to be a candidate for'. It's used when someone or something is being considered for a role, award, or selection, prior to a final decision being made. Remember to distinguish it from the noun 候选人 (hòuxuǎnrén - candidate).
- Verb: To be a candidate for something.
- Used for positions, awards, selections.
- Implies being considered before a final decision.
- Often followed by what one is a candidate for.
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that 候选 is a verb. If you want to refer to the person or thing that is a candidate, you must use the noun form 候选人 (hòuxuǎnrén).
Mastering the 'X' Sound
The 'x' in 选 (xuǎn) is a tricky sound for English speakers. Practice making the 'sh' sound but with your tongue tip closer to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth. Listen to native speakers and mimic them.
Formal Situations
候选 is most commonly used in formal or semi-formal settings like news reports, official announcements, job applications, and award ceremonies. Avoid using it in very casual conversations unless the context clearly calls for it.
Link to 'Waiting'
Connect the character 候 (hòu) to the idea of 'waiting'. A candidate is someone who is waiting to be chosen. This mnemonic can help you recall the meaning.
Example
他是该奖项的候选人之一。
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