Definitions
(noun)
marquis; nobleman
Etymology
Pictograph of an arrow (矢) hitting a target. Based on the original meaning "target (archery)". The meaning of this character has shifted over time and now means "marquis", likely because archery was associated with people of high ranking.
About
The character 侯 originates from an ancient concept associated with archery targets, and its traditional structure combines the person radical 亻 with a component that historically conveyed the idea of a target. Initially representing the physical target used in shooting practice, the term later shifted to denote those who excelled at archery, particularly feudal lords recognized for their martial skills, which led to its adoption as the specific title for a marquis. Over time, this aristocratic meaning became primary, while the character also continues to serve as a common surname in modern usage.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
侯老师教语文。
侯爵拥有大片土地。
昨天侯先生来了。
诸侯国之间常战争。
这位侯爵非常慷慨。
侯先生虽然年轻，但很有经验。
在古代，侯爵是贵族称号。
当侯先生抵达时，我们正在讨论这个计划。