厚
hòu/xoʊ̯⁵¹/
The English word "thick" is translated into Chinese as 厚 (hòu).
The adjective 厚 is used for physical dimensions, such as the thickness of a book, a wall or a layer of clothing.
Meaning: relatively great in extent from one surface to another (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form ху is used in the Dungan language.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, an adjective like 厚 is often preceded by an adverb of degree like 很 (hěn) to form a complete predicate, even if 'very' is not strongly intended.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is hòu.
Did you know?
- While 厚 describes a physical layer, the word for a thick liquid, like a thick soup, is more commonly 浓 (nóng), which relates to concentration.
- When describing a gift or a reward, 厚 is used to mean 'generous'. A 厚礼 (hòu lǐ) is a 'thick gift' meaning it is valuable or substantial.
- The component 厂 in the character 厚 represents a 'cliff', suggesting the original concept of something substantial or heavy.
Examples in context
- 這本書好厚。This book is too thick.This sentence is useful for describing a book using 厚.Tatoeba #6321863 by xjjAstrus, translation #6379584 by ZPVIP
- 谁会读那么厚的一本书呢？Who's gonna read such a thick book?This sentence is useful for asking about the reading of a thick book using 厚.Tatoeba #7768233 by jiangche, translation #4197698 by Tigrin
- 这本书虽然很厚，但是不贵。That book is thick, but it's not very expensive.This sentence is useful for noting that a book is 厚 despite its price.Tatoeba #8976063 by crescat, translation #556613 by Pun_intended
- 这碗鸡汤很浓，很有营养。This bowl of chicken soup is thick and nutritious.
- 这本书很厚，有六百页。This book is thick, it has six hundred pages.
- 这块木板非常粗，很结实。This piece of wood is very thick and sturdy.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zihan and Zhiqiang are choosing blankets for the winter.
- 梓涵 Zihan志强，你看这件被子厚吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ kàn zhè jiàn bèizi hòu ma?Zhiqiang, do you think this quilt is thick?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我觉得太厚了，不合适。Wǒ juéde tài hòu le, bù héshì.I think it's too thick, it's not suitable.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我们要买薄一点的吗？Nà wǒmen yào mǎi báo yīdiǎn de ma?Then should we buy a thinner one?
- 志强 Zhiqiang对，找一件厚度正好的。Duì, zhǎo yī jiàn hòudù zhènghǎo de.Yes, let's find one with just the right thickness.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thick” translations and entries 厚, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 厚, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
