后者

• Pinyin: hòu zhě
• Hanzi breakdown: 后 — rear; latter; 者 — nominaliser suffix indicating 'the one who/which'

Meaning

The latter. Used to refer to the second of two previously mentioned items, options, or people.

A formal written connective used in contrast with 前者 (the former). Typically appears in academic writing, formal essays, legal documents, and structured arguments where two alternatives have been presented.

Examples

1. 效率与公平是经济政策的两大目标，在此次改革中，后者被置于更优先的位置。 Efficiency and fairness are two major goals of economic policy; in this reform, the latter was given higher priority.
2. 他在商界和学界都颇有建树，但他本人坦言更钟情于后者，认为学术研究更具长远价值。 He has achieved a great deal in both business and academia, but he admits he prefers the latter, believing academic research has greater long-term value.
3. 报告提出了两种可行方案，经过综合评估，委员会最终选择了后者加以实施。 The report proposed two workable plans; after a comprehensive evaluation, the committee ultimately chose the latter to implement.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, legal, business, formal essays

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 论文中提出了定性研究和定量研究两种方法；鉴于本课题的特殊性，作者认为后者更能有效揭示变量之间的内在关联。(The paper proposed two methodologies — qualitative and quantitative research; given the particular nature of this topic, the author considers the latter more effective at revealing the intrinsic relationships between variables.)
• 候选人分别代表渐进式改革与彻底变革两种路线，大多数受访选民表示更倾向于支持后者，认为现行体制亟需根本性调整。(The candidates represent a path of gradual reform versus radical transformation respectively; most surveyed voters said they leaned toward supporting the latter, believing the current system is in urgent need of fundamental adjustment.)

Don't Say

• 后者 in speech when referring to more than two items — it is only grammatical when exactly two items have been listed; for three or more, use 最后一个 or restate the item explicitly

Origin & History

后 (latter; behind) + 者 (the one who; nominal suffix) — the one that comes second

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated