B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

候车

houche /xoʊ t͡ʂʰɤ/

To wait for a vehicle, typically public transportation, at a specific location.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Wait for a vehicle at a designated spot.
  • Commonly used for public transport.
  • Implies a period of anticipation before boarding.

Overview

候车(hòu chē)是一个常用的中文词语,字面意思是“等待车”。它描述的是一种常见的日常行为,即在公共交通站点等待车辆的到来。这个词语涵盖了从公交车站、地铁站台到火车站等多种场景,是现代城市生活中不可或缺的一部分。候车不仅仅是简单的等待,还可能涉及到查看时刻表、关注车辆信息、以及在人群中保持秩序等。

候车主要作为一个动词使用,表示“等待车辆”这个动作。它可以单独使用,也可以与其他词语组合,构成更完整的句子。例如,“我在公交站候车”、“请在站台候车”、“火车晚点,我们只能继续候车”。在某些语境下,也可以引申为等待某种机会或事物,但最核心的含义仍然是等待交通工具。

候车最常出现在与公共交通相关的场景中,如:

**机场/车站**: 在机场或火车站,旅客需要在指定区域候车或候机。

此外,在一些非交通工具的语境下,也可以偶尔听到,如“大家在会议室候场”,但这种用法相对较少,且“候场”更常用。

与“候车”相似的词语包括“等车”、“等候”、“等待”。

  • 等车 (děng chē): 这是“候车”最直接的同义词,两者几乎可以互换使用,都表示等待车辆。但“候车”在书面语和正式场合可能更常用一些。
  • 等候 (děng hòu): “等候”的范围更广,可以指等待任何人或任何事物,不局限于交通工具。例如,“请在此等候”、“恭候光临”。
  • 等待 (děng dài): 这是最通用的词,表示等待任何人和事,比“等候”更中性、更广泛。例如,“等待结果”、“等待时间”。

在描述等待交通工具时,“候车”和“等车”是最贴切的。而“等候”和“等待”则可以用于更广泛的场景。

Examples

1

我在公交站候车,看到一位老人提着很多东西。

everyday

I was waiting for the bus at the bus stop and saw an elderly person carrying many things.

2

请各位旅客到指定的候车区候车。

formal

All passengers, please proceed to the designated waiting area to wait for your train.

3

哎,这趟车怎么还不来?我都候车半小时了!

informal

Sigh, why isn't this bus here yet? I've been waiting for half an hour!

4

由于天气原因,部分列车的候车时间可能会有所延长。

academic

Due to weather conditions, the waiting time for some train services may be extended.

Common Collocations

候车室 waiting room
候车区 waiting area
候车时间 waiting time
候车亭 bus shelter

Common Phrases

请在此候车

Please wait here

候车时间

waiting time

候车大厅

waiting hall

Often Confused With

候车 vs 等候

While '候车' specifically refers to waiting for a vehicle, '等候' is a broader term for waiting for anyone or anything. You can '等候' a person, a result, or a vehicle, but '候车' is exclusively for vehicles.

候车 vs 等待

'等待' is the most general term for waiting. '候车' is a specific type of '等待' that focuses on vehicles. You might '等待' a verdict, but you '候车' for a bus.

Grammar Patterns

在 [地点] 候车 (e.g., 在公交站候车) 候车 [时间] (e.g., 候车半小时) 请 [行为] 候车 (e.g., 请在此候车)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term '候车' is neutral and widely applicable in various contexts related to public transportation. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. While '等车' is a more colloquial synonym, '候车' often appears in official announcements, signs, and more formal descriptions of travel.


Common Mistakes

Avoid using '候车' for waiting for people or non-transportation related events. For instance, saying '我在餐厅候朋友' (I am waiting for my friend at the restaurant) would be incorrect; '等候' or '等待' should be used instead.

Tips

💡

Be Patient While Waiting

候车 implies a period of waiting. It's a good opportunity to relax, check your phone, or observe your surroundings.

⚠️

Mind Your Belongings

When候车, especially in crowded places like bus stops or train stations, be aware of your personal belongings to prevent theft.

🌍

Importance of Punctuality

In Chinese culture, being on time is valued. Arriving slightly early for 候车 demonstrates respect for the schedule and fellow passengers.

Word Origin

The word '候车' is a compound word. '候' (hòu) originally meant 'to observe the weather' or 'time/season', and evolved to mean 'to wait' or 'to expect'. '车' (chē) means 'vehicle'. Together, they signify 'waiting for a vehicle'.

Cultural Context

Public transportation is a vital part of daily life for many in China. The act of '候车' is a shared experience, often involving patience and adherence to social norms, especially during peak hours.

Memory Tip

Think of '候' as 'waiting for the time' (时辰) and '车' as 'vehicle'. So, '候车' means waiting for the vehicle's arrival time.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“候车”和“等车”在大多数情况下可以互换使用,都指等待交通工具。但“候车”在书面语和正式场合可能显得更规范一些,而“等车”则更口语化、更常用。

“候车”可以用于几乎所有类型的公共交通工具,包括公交车、地铁、火车、长途汽车、轮渡等。

在非常规语境下,“候车”有时可能被引申为等待某种机会或事物,但其核心和最主要的含义始终是等待交通工具。

在“候车”时,应注意安全,遵守公共秩序,留意车辆信息和发车时间,避免错过行程。

Test Yourself

fill blank

请在站台______,注意列车信息。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 候车

这里指在火车站台等待火车,使用“候车”最准确。

multiple choice

她在公交站______了十分钟才等到车。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 候车

“候车”特指等待交通工具,在这里是最恰当的词。

sentence building

词语:我,今天,地铁站,需要,很长时间

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 今天我需要在地铁站候车很长时间。

这个句子结构完整,语意清晰,符合中文表达习惯。

Score: /3

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