丈夫

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zhàngfu: 丈夫 - Husband

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: zhàngfu, 丈夫, Chinese for husband, how to say husband in Chinese, laogong, 老公, wife and husband in Chinese, formal Chinese, Chinese family terms, HSK 2 vocabulary.
  • Summary: Learn the Chinese word for husband, 丈夫 (zhàngfu). This comprehensive guide explores its meaning, cultural significance, and modern usage. Discover why 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is the formal and official term for “husband,” how it differs from the more common and informal 老公 (lǎogōng), and when to use it correctly in conversation and writing. This entry is perfect for learners who want to understand the nuances of Chinese family vocabulary.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): zhàngfu
  • Part of Speech: Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 2
  • Concise Definition: A formal and written term for a married man; husband.
  • In a Nutshell: 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is the traditional and more formal way to say “husband.” Think of it as the word you would see on a legal document, hear in a news report, or use when speaking in a very respectful or official situation. While every native speaker understands it, in everyday casual conversation, people are much more likely to use the more intimate and common word 老公 (lǎogōng). Using 丈夫 (zhàngfu) conveys a sense of seriousness and respect.

Character Breakdown

  • 丈 (zhàng): This character originally referred to a traditional Chinese unit of length (about 3.3 meters). Over time, it also came to be used to refer to an elder or a respected, senior male. In this context, it carries the connotation of a mature, respectable man.
  • 夫 (fū): The character depicts a man (大) with a horizontal line (一) through the top, which originally symbolized a hairpin used in a coming-of-age ceremony for men. It directly means “man,” “adult male,” or “husband.”
  • Combined Meaning: The combination of 丈 (zhàng) and 夫 (fū) creates a term that emphasizes the husband's role as a mature, responsible, and respectable adult male within the family structure. It reflects a traditional view of the husband as a pillar of the household.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In traditional Chinese culture, influenced by Confucian values, the family structure was hierarchical. The 丈夫 (zhàngfu) was seen as the head of the household (一家之主, yījiāzhīzhǔ), with the primary responsibility of providing for and protecting the family. The term 丈夫 (zhàngfu) carries this historical weight, implying a man of stature and responsibility.
  • Comparison to Western Culture: In English, the word “husband” is a neutral descriptor for a married man, usable in virtually any context, from formal vows (“I now pronounce you husband and wife”) to casual conversation (“I'm meeting my husband for lunch”). 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is not so flexible. Its usage is narrower and carries a much more formal and slightly distant tone, evoking the traditional role of the husband more strongly than its English counterpart does in modern society. While the role of husbands is evolving rapidly in China, the language still retains this formal, traditional term.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • Formality: 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is considered formal and is most appropriate in written Chinese or official/serious spoken contexts.
  • Common Scenarios:
    • Official Documents: You will see 丈夫 (zhàngfu) on marriage certificates, visa applications, and other legal forms.
    • Formal Introductions: When introducing one's husband in a very formal setting, like a business dinner or to a respected elder for the first time. For example, “这位是我的丈夫 (Zhè wèi shì wǒ de zhàngfu).”
    • Third-Person Reference: When talking about someone else's husband in a respectful, non-familiar way. For example, “听说李太太的丈夫是位医生 (Tīngshuō Lǐ tàitai de zhàngfu shì wèi yīshēng).” - “I hear Mrs. Li's husband is a doctor.”
    • News and Literature: It is the standard term used in news articles, academic papers, and literature.
  • What to Avoid: Avoid using 丈夫 (zhàngfu) in casual, everyday conversations with friends and peers. It would sound overly stiff, formal, and might create an awkward distance. For daily life, 老公 (lǎogōng) is the go-to term.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 这是我的丈夫，王伟。
    • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ de zhàngfu, Wáng Wěi.
    • English: This is my husband, Wang Wei.
    • Analysis: A classic, formal introduction. This is appropriate for a business function or when introducing your husband to someone of high status.
  • Example 2:
    • 她的丈夫是一名律师。
    • Pinyin: Tā de zhàngfu shì yī míng lǜshī.
    • English: Her husband is a lawyer.
    • Analysis: A neutral, factual statement about a third person's husband. This is standard and correct usage.
  • Example 3:
    • 作为丈夫，他有责任照顾好家庭。
    • Pinyin: Zuòwéi zhàngfu, tā yǒu zérèn zhàogù hǎo jiātíng.
    • English: As a husband, he has a responsibility to take good care of the family.
    • Analysis: This sentence discusses the role or concept of being a husband, making the formal term 丈夫 (zhàngfu) a perfect fit.
  • Example 4:
    • 在申请表上，她填写了她丈夫的名字。
    • Pinyin: Zài shēnqǐngbiǎo shàng, tā tiánxiěle tā zhàngfu de míngzi.
    • English: On the application form, she filled in her husband's name.
    • Analysis: This highlights the use of 丈夫 (zhàngfu) in official and written contexts like filling out forms.
  • Example 5:
    • 他是妻子眼中的好丈夫。
    • Pinyin: Tā shì qīzi yǎnzhōng de hǎo zhàngfu.
    • English: In his wife's eyes, he is a good husband.
    • Analysis: This sentence has a slightly more literary or descriptive feel, where 丈夫 (zhàngfu) works well.
  • Example 6:
    • 丈夫和妻子应该互相尊重。
    • Pinyin: Zhàngfu hé qīzi yīnggāi hùxiāng zūnzhòng.
    • English: Husband and wife should respect each other.
    • Analysis: When paired with its formal counterpart 妻子 (qīzi), 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is the correct choice to express a general principle.
  • Example 7:
    • 那位女士正在到处找她的丈夫。
    • Pinyin: Nà wèi nǚshì zhèngzài dàochù zhǎo tā de zhàngfu.
    • English: That lady is looking for her husband everywhere.
    • Analysis: A polite, slightly distant way to refer to a stranger's husband.
  • Example 8:
    • 他们的婚姻很幸福，他是个体贴的丈夫。
    • Pinyin: Tāmen de hūnyīn hěn xìngfú, tā shì ge tǐtiē de zhàngfu.
    • English: Their marriage is very happy; he is a considerate husband.
    • Analysis: Used here to describe the quality of a husband in a slightly more formal, narrative tone.
  • Example 9:
    • 我很少叫他“丈夫”，我一般叫他“老公”。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ hěn shǎo jiào tā “zhàngfu”, wǒ yībān jiào tā “lǎogōng”.
    • English: I rarely call him “zhàngfu”; I usually call him “lǎogōng”.
    • Analysis: This sentence directly explains the nuance between the formal and informal terms, making it very useful for learners.
  • Example 10:
    • 按照法律，丈夫有权继承妻子的遗产。
    • Pinyin: Ànzhào fǎlǜ, zhàngfu yǒu quán jìchéng qīzi de yíchǎn.
    • English: According to the law, a husband has the right to inherit his wife's estate.
    • Analysis: A clear example of 丈夫 (zhàngfu) being used in a legal context, where precision and formality are required.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The “Too Formal” Mistake: The most common mistake for learners is using 丈夫 (zhàngfu) in casual situations. If you're having coffee with a Chinese friend and say “我丈夫很喜欢喝咖啡” (Wǒ zhàngfu hěn xǐhuān hē kāfēi), it will sound unnaturally stiff.
    • Incorrect: (To a friend) “我丈夫今天会晚点回家。” (Wǒ zhàngfu jīntiān huì wǎndiǎn huíjiā.)
    • Correct: (To a friend) “我老公今天会晚点回家。” (Wǒ lǎogōng jīntiān huì wǎndiǎn huíjiā.)
  • Not a “Boyfriend”: 丈夫 (zhàngfu) exclusively means a legally married husband. Do not use it to refer to a boyfriend (男朋友 nánpéngyou) or a male partner to whom you are not married.
  • “Husband” vs. “丈夫”: Remember that the English “husband” has a much broader range of use than 丈夫 (zhàngfu). While you can use “husband” with your best friend or your boss, you should switch between 老公 (lǎogōng) and 丈夫 (zhàngfu) in Chinese depending on the formality of the situation.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • * 老公 (lǎogōng) - The most common, informal, and affectionate term for “husband.” The direct counterpart to the English “hubby.”
  • * 妻子 (qīzi) - The formal and official term for “wife,” the direct counterpart to 丈夫 (zhàngfu).
  • * 老婆 (lǎopó) - The informal and affectionate term for “wife,” the counterpart to 老公 (lǎogōng).
  • * 夫妻 (fūqī) - A noun meaning “a married couple” or “husband and wife.” It combines the characters from 丈夫 and 妻子.
  • * 先生 (xiānsheng) - Primarily means “Mr.” or “gentleman.” However, it can also be used as a polite and respectful way to refer to one's own or another's husband (e.g., 我先生 - my husband). It is less formal than 丈夫 but more formal than 老公.
  • * 爱人 (àirén) - Literally “lover,” but it's a common term for “spouse” (husband or wife). It's often used by older generations or in official contexts and can sometimes be ambiguous.
  • * 结婚 (jiéhūn) - The verb “to marry” or “to get married.” This is the action that results in having a 丈夫.
  • * 家庭 (jiātíng) - “Family” or “household.” This is the primary social unit where the roles of 丈夫 and 妻子 exist.
  • * 男人 (nánrén) - The general term for “man” or “male.” A 丈夫 is a type of 男人.