后果 hòuguǒ consequences
consequences; aftermath
How to remember 后果: 后 back + 果 fruit = consequences.
Characters
How it is used
- Noun almost always carrying a negative connotation: 承担后果 (chéngdān hòuguǒ) - bear the consequences, 严重后果 (yánzhòng hòuguǒ) - serious consequences.
- 后果自负 (hòuguǒ zìfù) - you bear the consequences yourself - is a stock, stern warning phrase.
- Different from 结果 (jiéguǒ), a neutral "result" that can be positive, negative, or neutral - 后果 specifically implies a bad outcome, especially from a warned-against action.
Example sentences
- 我准备好了承担后果。 Wǒ zhǔnbèi hǎo le chéngdān hòuguǒ.I'm prepared to accept the consequences.