守候 shǒuhòu to wait for
to wait for; to expect; to keep watch; to watch over; to nurse
How to remember 守候: 守 to defend + 候 waiting for = to wait for.
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How it is used
- 'To wait for and keep watch over' - 守候在病床前 (shǒuhòu zài bìngchuáng qián) to keep vigil at the sickbed.
- Blends waiting with devoted watching/caring; warmer than plain 等 (děng, to wait).
- Also 守候多时 (shǒuhòu duōshí) to have waited a long time, e.g. reporters awaiting news.