How common it is
等候 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
Pronunciation focus
Say děnghòu slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
等候表示等待，语气更正式。
děng hòu biǎo shì děng dài， yǔ qì gēng zhèng shì。
等候 means to wait, in a more formal tone.
Context note
等候常用于公告、车站和服务。
děng hòu cháng yòng yú gōng gào 、 chē zhàn hé fú wù。
It is often used in notices, stations, and service contexts.
5 examples
请在这里等候。
qǐng zài zhè lǐ děng hòu。
Please wait here.
乘客正在等候。
chéng kè zhèng zài děng hòu。
Passengers are waiting.
等候时间不长。
děng hòu shí jiān bù cháng。
The waiting time is not long.
请耐心等候。
qǐng nài xīn děng hòu。
Please wait patiently.
大家在门口等候。
dà jiā zài mén kǒu děng hòu。
Everyone is waiting at the door.
5 mini stories
老师让学生在教室外等候。
lǎo shī ràng xué shēng zài jiào shì wài děng hòu。
The teacher asked the students to wait outside the classroom.
医院门口有很多人等候。
yī yuàn mén kǒu yǒu hěn duō rén děng hòu。
There are many people waiting at the hospital entrance.
等候的时候，他安静地看书。
děng hòu de shí hòu， tā ān jìng dì kàn shū。
While waiting, he quietly read a book.
请等候通知。
qǐng děng hòu tōng zhī。
Please wait for the notice.
大家等候了十分钟。
dà jiā děng hòu le shí fēn zhōng。
Everyone waited for ten minutes.