Keywords: hou, hòu, 厚, thick Chinese, deep Chinese, generous Chinese, kind Chinese, profound Chinese, 厚道, 浓厚, 深厚, Chinese character for thick, what does hou mean
Summary: Discover the versatile Chinese character 厚 (hòu), a term that goes far beyond its basic meaning of “thick.” While it can describe a thick book or coat, its real depth lies in abstract concepts like profound friendship (深厚), a generous personality (厚道), or a rich cultural atmosphere (浓厚). This guide explores the literal and figurative uses of 厚 (hòu), explaining why being “thick” in Chinese culture is often a high compliment, and how you can use it to sound more like a native speaker.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): hòu
Part of Speech: Adjective, Adverb
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: Physically thick; or abstractly deep, profound, generous, or rich.
In a Nutshell: At its heart, 厚 (hòu) is about substance and depth. It starts with the simple physical idea of “thickness,” like a warm, thick sweater. But the concept extends beautifully to describe anything with substance: a person with a kind and generous character, a friendship with a deep history, a flavor that is rich and full, or a strong interest in a hobby. It stands in opposition to things that are superficial, flimsy, or insincere.
Character Breakdown
The character 厚 (hòu) is a phono-semantic compound character.
We can understand it through its components for easier memorization:
厂 (chǎng): This radical originally depicted a “cliff” or a shelter built against a rock face. It provides a sense of a solid, firm foundation or structure.
㫗 (an older component): The bottom part is a bit complex etymologically. We can think of it as representing something of substance, abundance, or value being presented.
Together, the character combines the idea of a solid foundation (厂) with abundance, creating the overall meaning of “thick” or “having substance.” It's something solid, deep, and not easily seen through.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, 厚 carries a deeply positive connotation when applied to a person's character. The term 厚道 (hòudao), meaning sincere, kind, and dependable, is one of the highest compliments you can pay someone. It describes a person who is not superficial, calculating, or fickle. They are reliable, genuine, and treat others with generosity and sincerity.
This can be contrasted with some Western values that might prioritize being “sharp,” “clever,” or “quick-witted.” While these traits are also appreciated in China, the quiet, steadfast virtue of being `厚道` is often seen as more fundamental to a person's moral character. It's similar to the English concept of being “salt of the earth,” but with an added dimension of magnanimity and warmth. A `厚道` person is someone you can trust implicitly because their character has substance and depth.
Practical Usage in Modern China
厚 (hòu) is used frequently in both literal and figurative senses.
Literal Use (Physical Thickness):
Used to describe the thickness of flat objects like books, walls, clothes, or slices of bread.
Example: `冬天的被子要厚一点。(Dōngtiān de bèizi yào hòu yīdiǎn.)` - “The quilt for winter needs to be a bit thicker.”
Abstract Use (Positive Connotation):
Describing People: When describing a person's character, it implies kindness, sincerity, and generosity. The most common word is `厚道 (hòudao)`.
Describing Relationships/Feelings: Paired with `深 (shēn)` to form `深厚 (shēnhòu)`, it means deep and profound. Used for friendship, family bonds, or emotional connection.
Describing Atmosphere/Flavor/Interest: Paired with `浓 (nóng)` to form `浓厚 (nónghòu)`, it means rich, strong, or dense. A rich flavor, a strong interest, or a dense cultural atmosphere.
Abstract Use (Negative Connotation):
The most famous negative use is in the phrase 脸皮厚 (liǎnpí hòu), which literally means “face-skin-thick.” It translates to “thick-skinned,” “brazen,” or “shameless.” It describes someone who is impervious to criticism or embarrassment.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
这本词典太厚了，我的书包放不下。
Pinyin: Zhè běn cídiǎn tài hòu le, wǒ de shūbāo fàng bùxià.
English: This dictionary is too thick, my backpack can't fit it.
Analysis: The most basic, literal meaning of `厚` – physical thickness.
Example 2:
冬天来了，记得多穿点厚衣服。
Pinyin: Dōngtiān lái le, jìdé duō chuān diǎn hòu yīfú.
English: Winter is here, remember to wear some more thick clothes.
Analysis: Another common literal usage, referring to the thickness of clothing for warmth.
Example 3:
他这个人很厚道，从来不占别人便宜。
Pinyin: Tā zhège rén hěn hòudao, cónglái bu zhàn biérén piányi.
English: He is a very kind and sincere person; he never takes advantage of others.
Analysis: This is a high compliment. `厚道` is a key cultural concept, describing a person of great integrity and kindness.
Example 4:
我们两家有很深厚的友谊。
Pinyin: Wǒmen liǎng jiā yǒu hěn shēnhòu de yǒuyì.
English: Our two families have a very deep and profound friendship.
Analysis: `深厚` combines “deep” (`深`) and “thick” (`厚`) to describe a relationship that has both emotional depth and a long, substantial history.
Example 5:
我对中国历史产生了浓厚的兴趣。
Pinyin: Wǒ duì Zhōngguó lìshǐ chǎnshēngle nónghòu de xìngqù.
English: I've developed a strong interest in Chinese history.
Analysis: `浓厚` means “rich” or “strong” in an abstract sense. Here, it describes an interest that is substantial and not just a passing fancy.
Example 6:
这座古城有浓厚的文化气息。
Pinyin: Zhè zuò gǔchéng yǒu nónghòu de wénhuà qìxī.
English: This ancient city has a rich cultural atmosphere.
Analysis: Similar to the previous example, `浓厚` is used here to describe an atmosphere that is dense and palpable.
English: How could you say something like that? You're so shameless!
Analysis: This is the most common negative usage. `脸皮厚 (liǎnpí hòu)` is a very colloquial and strong way to criticize someone for being brazen or without shame.
Example 8:
公司给了他非常优厚的待遇。
Pinyin: Gōngsī gěile tā fēicháng yōuhòu de dàiyù.
English: The company gave him very generous benefits/treatment.
Analysis: `优厚` means “superior and thick,” translating to generous or favorable, almost always in the context of salary, benefits, or conditions.
Example 9:
父母对我们寄予厚望。
Pinyin: Fùmǔ duì wǒmen jìyǔ hòuwàng.
English: Our parents have high hopes for us.
Analysis: `厚望` literally means “thick hopes.” It's a formal and powerful way to say “high expectations” or “great hopes.”
English: Thank you very much for your great kindness/favor, I will definitely work hard.
Analysis: `厚爱` (“thick love”) is a very formal and humble term used to acknowledge a superior's or elder's kindness, support, or favor.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Don't use `厚` to describe a person's body. An English speaker might be tempted to call a heavyset person “thick.” In Chinese, this is a major mistake. `厚` is for objects. To describe a person's build, you should use `胖 (pàng)` for “fat/chubby” or `壮 (zhuàng)` for “sturdy/strong.”
Incorrect: `他很厚。 (Tā hěn hòu.)` ❌
Correct: `他很胖。 (Tā hěn pàng.)` or `他很壮。(Tā hěn zhuàng.)` ✅
The only exception is the fixed phrase `脸皮厚 (liǎnpí hòu)`, which refers to character, not physical cheeks.
`厚 (hòu)` vs. `深 (shēn)`: These can be confusing. `厚` is “thick” (a thick wall), while `深 (shēn)` is “deep” (deep water). They describe different dimensions. They only come together in a word like `深厚 (shēnhòu)` to describe a relationship that has both depth (`深`) and substance/history (`厚`). You have a `深` thought, but a `厚` book.
Related Terms and Concepts
薄 (báo) - The direct antonym of 厚, meaning “thin.”
厚道 (hòudao) - A core virtue; to be kind, sincere, and generous in character.
深厚 (shēnhòu) - Deep and profound, used for strong relationships, feelings, or foundations.
浓厚 (nónghòu) - Rich, dense, or strong, used for interest, flavor, or atmosphere.
脸皮厚 (liǎnpí hòu) - A common idiom meaning shameless or “thick-skinned.”
宽厚 (kuānhòu) - Magnanimous, tolerant, and big-hearted; emphasizes a forgiving nature.
优厚 (yōuhòu) - Generous or favorable, typically used to describe salary, benefits, or treatment.
丰厚 (fēnghòu) - Rich and abundant, often referring to rewards, profits, or experience.
忠厚 (zhōnghòu) - Loyal and honest, a classic virtue describing a trustworthy and kind person.