Meaning
等候 means to wait for someone or something, often in a more formal or patient context. It emphasizes the act of waiting attentively, typically for a specific person, event, or outcome. The word is more formal than the simple 等, and is commonly used in written language, announcements, or polite speech.
Usage
等候 is more formal than 等 and suggests a deliberate, respectful waiting. It appears frequently in official contexts like airports, hospitals, and customer service. Native speakers use it when the waiting requires patience or when speaking politely. In casual conversation, 等 alone is usually preferred.
Examples
- 01请在等候室耐心等候。.Please wait patiently in the waiting room.
- 02我们等候您的回复。.We await your reply.
Characters
Common collocations
- 等候室waiting room
- 等候通知await notification
- 耐心等候wait patiently
- 等候多时have waited for a long time
Origin
Both characters relate to waiting: 等 originally meant 'equal/rank' and evolved to mean 'wait,' while 候 means 'to watch for' or 'inquire about time/season.' Together they form a formal compound emphasizing attentive waiting.