Meaning and Usage
"후보" refers to a candidate or nominee for a position, role, or award. It is commonly used in political contexts (e.g., election candidates) but also applies to competitions or selections.
Common Contexts
You will often see "후보" in news reports about elections, sports competitions, or job applications. It implies someone who is officially considered for a role but not yet selected.
Collocations and Patterns
- 후보로 출마하다: to run as a candidate
- 후보 명단: list of candidates
- 후보자 발표: announcement of candidates
Register and Politeness
"후보" is a neutral noun used in formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate in news, official documents, and everyday conversation.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "후보" with "후보자". While "후보자" explicitly means "candidate person," "후보" can be used more broadly and is often sufficient on its own. Also, "후보" is not used for general substitutes or backups; it specifically refers to candidates in a selection process.