hậu

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The Vietnamese word "hậu" can be understood in different contexts, and it has several meanings and uses. Here’s a detailed explanation for new learners:

Basic Meaning:

1. Adjective:

   • Back / Behind: "Hậu" can refer to something that is located at the back or the rear of something else. For example, if you are talking about a house, "hậu" could refer to the back of the house.
   • Future: "Hậu" can also refer to the future, often used in contexts related to time or events that will happen later.

2. Noun:

   • Queen / Empress: In a royal context, "hậu" refers to a queen or empress, indicating a woman of high rank in a monarchy.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "hậu" as an adjective, it typically describes the position of an object or person.
• As a noun, it is used in formal or historical contexts related to royalty.

Examples:

1. Adjective (Back / Behind):

   • "Cửa hậu" means "back door."
   • "Người đứng ở phía hậu" means "the person standing at the back."

2. Adjective (Future):

   • "Trong hậu vận" means "in the future."
   • "Hậu quả" means "consequences," referring to the results that will happen later.

3. Noun (Queen):

   • "Hoàng thái hậu" means "queen mother," a title given to the mother of a reigning king or queen.
   • "Nữ hậu" means "female monarch."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or historical texts, "hậu" might be used to create a sense of depth regarding time and position. For example, the phrase "hậu chiến tranh" means "post-war," referring to the time period after a war has ended.

Word Variants:

• Hậu quả: consequences or results.
• Hậu sinh: refers to later generations or descendants.
• Hậu cung: refers to the imperial harem or the women's quarters in a royal palace.

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "hậu" might also refer to someone who is secondary or less important compared to others, especially in literary or formal discussions.

Synonyms:

• For "back" or "behind": "phía sau" (behind), "sau lưng" (behind someone's back).
• For "future": "tương lai" (future).
• For "queen": "nữ hoàng" (female king).

Academic

adj

1. back; behind; future

noun

1. queen; empress
   • hoàng thái hậu
     Queen mother