Definitions
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 (hóu) originally depicted an arrow striking a target, combining the arrow component 矢 (shǐ) with a person radical 亻 (rén) that reflects human involvement in the act. Its earliest meaning was the archery target itself. Because archery held a central, ceremonial role among the ancient Chinese nobility, the character's sense gradually shifted from the target to the high-ranking individuals who practiced it, ultimately becoming the title "marquis" for feudal lords and senior officials serving the emperor.
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。
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