后果
hòuguǒ
In Mandarin, the English word 'consequence' is expressed as 后果 (hòuguǒ).
The term 后果 is used to describe the result of actions, but it is almost exclusively applied to negative or unpleasant consequences.
Meaning: result of actions, especially unpleasant (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 后果 is composed of 后 (hòu), meaning 'after' or 'behind' and 果 (guǒ), meaning 'fruit' or 'result'. Together, they convey the idea of an aftermath or result.
Which one should you use?
While 后果 refers specifically to negative consequences, the term 结果 (jiéguǒ) is a neutral term used for any 'result' or 'outcome'. Additionally, if you wish to express a general 'outcome' or 'ending', you might use 结局 (jiéjú).
How do you pronounce it?
hòuguǒ
Did you know?
- In Mandarin, the idea of 'bearing the consequences' is often expressed with the verb 承担 (chéngdān), which literally means 'to shoulder' a heavy load like a porter.
- The character 后 in 后果 can mean 'after', but it is also the character used for 'empress'. Depending on the context, the same sound and character can refer to a royal title or a sequence in time.
- The word 果 in 后果 also means 'fruit'. This creates a vivid metaphor where the unpleasant consequences of an action are viewed as the 'bitter fruit' one must eventually eat.
Examples in context
- 这件事情的结局可能会带来意想不到的后果。(Zhè jiàn shì qíng de jié jú kě néng huì dài lái yì xiǎng bù dào de hòu guǒ.)The consequence of this matter's outcome may be unexpected.
- 严重的后果Serious consequences
- 如果不努力，你会承担严重的后果。Rúguǒ bù nǔlì, nǐ huì chéngdān yánzhòng de hòuguǒ.If you don't work hard, you will bear serious consequences.
- 他必须为自己的错误承担后果。Tā bìxū wèi zìjǐ de cuòwù chéngdān hòuguǒ.He must face the consequences of his own mistakes.
- 这种行为可能会带来可怕的后果。Zhè zhǒng xíngwéi kěnéng huì dàilái kěpà de hòuguǒ.This kind of behavior might bring terrible consequences.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are discussing a mistake at work.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我不小心删掉了那个文件。Wǒ bù xiǎoxīn shān diào le nàge wénjiàn.I accidentally deleted that file.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这会产生很坏的后果。Zhè huì chǎnshēng hěn huài de hòuguǒ.This will result in very bad consequences.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我现在能怎么补救？Wǒ xiànzài néng zěnme bǔjiù?How can I fix it now?
- 佳怡 Jiayi快去告诉主管吧。Kuài qù gàosù zhǔguǎn ba.Go tell the supervisor quickly.
