hūnyīn: 婚姻 - Marriage

• Keywords: 婚姻, hunyin, Chinese marriage, what is marriage in Chinese, Chinese wedding culture, getting married in China, Chinese family, 结婚, 婚礼, HSK 4
• Summary: A comprehensive guide to understanding the Chinese word 婚姻 (hūnyīn), which means “marriage”. This page explores its core definition, character origins, and deep cultural significance in China. Learn how 婚姻 (hūnyīn) is viewed not just as a union of two people, but often as a strategic alliance between two families, reflecting values of stability, responsibility, and social harmony. Discover practical usage, example sentences, and related terms to master this essential concept for anyone interested in Chinese culture and language.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): hūnyīn (hūn yīn)
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: The state of being married; matrimony, the institution of marriage.
• In a Nutshell: 婚姻 (hūnyīn) is the formal and abstract concept of marriage in Chinese. It's more than just a romantic partnership; it's a fundamental social institution. Traditionally, it represents a union of two families, carrying expectations of social stability, responsibility, and the continuation of the family line. While modern views are evolving, the weight and seriousness of 婚姻 (hūnyīn) as a lifelong commitment remain deeply ingrained in the culture.

• 婚 (hūn): This character means “to wed” or “marriage-related.” It's composed of two parts:
  • 女 (nǚ) on the left, meaning “woman” or “female.”
  • 昏 (hūn) on the right, which originally meant “dusk” or “twilight.”
  • Traditionally, wedding ceremonies were often held at dusk, so the character combines “woman” and “dusk” to signify a wedding.
• 姻 (yīn): This character refers to the relationships created *through* marriage, especially connections to the bride's family. It's also composed of two parts:
  • 女 (nǚ) on the left, again meaning “woman.”
  • 因 (yīn) on the right, meaning “cause” or “reason.”
  • The character suggests a connection or relationship that is “caused” by a “woman” (the bride), linking the two families.
• Combined Meaning: Together, 婚姻 (hūnyīn) paints a complete picture of marriage. 婚 (hūn) represents the event of getting married, while 姻 (yīn) represents the new network of family ties that result. This highlights the traditional view of marriage as a contract that binds two entire families.

In Chinese culture, 婚姻 (hūnyīn) is traditionally seen as a cornerstone of society and a prerequisite for a stable, complete life. It is not merely a private affair between two individuals but a significant event for two families. A key contrast with modern Western culture is the emphasis on collective, familial benefit versus individual romantic fulfillment. While romantic love (爱情 - àiqíng) is increasingly important, the practical considerations of a good 婚姻 (hūnyīn)—such as compatible family backgrounds, financial stability, and the goal of having children (传宗接代 - chuán zōng jiē dài, to continue the family line)—are still major factors. This creates immense social and parental pressure to marry by a certain age. This pressure is particularly strong for women, leading to the modern, colloquial term 剩女 (shèngnǚ), or “leftover woman,” for educated, urban women who are unmarried past their late twenties. Therefore, discussing 婚姻 (hūnyīn) in China often involves a complex negotiation between personal desires, parental expectations, and societal norms.

婚姻 (hūnyīn) is a formal and standard term used in a wide range of contexts.

• Formal and Legal Contexts: It's the official term used in law, government documents, and academic discussions. For example, the 婚姻法 (hūnyīnfǎ) is the “Marriage Law,” and 婚姻状况 (hūnyīn zhuàngkuàng) is “marital status.”
• Serious Personal Discussions: When people discuss their views on marriage, their marital problems, or their future life plans, 婚姻 (hūnyīn) is the appropriate word. It carries more weight than simply talking about dating (谈恋爱 - tán liàn'ài).
• Connotation: The term is neutral but serious. It implies a long-term, legally recognized commitment. One's 婚姻观 (hūnyīnguān), or “view on marriage,” is a common topic of discussion among young adults and potential partners.

• Example 1:
  • 我们对婚姻的看法很不一样。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen duì hūnyīn de kànfǎ hěn bù yīyàng.
  • English: Our views on marriage are very different.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses 婚姻 (hūnyīn) to refer to the general concept of marriage. This is a common way to express one's personal philosophy on the topic.
• Example 2:
  • 他们的婚姻非常幸福美满。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen de hūnyīn fēicháng xìngfú měimǎn.
  • English: Their marriage is extremely happy and fulfilling.
  • Analysis: Here, 婚姻 (hūnyīn) describes the state or quality of a specific couple's married life. 幸福美满 (xìngfú měimǎn) is a common four-character idiom used to describe a blissful marriage.
• Example 3:
  • 在中国，婚姻是人生大事。
  • Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó, hūnyīn shì rénshēng dàshì.
  • English: In China, marriage is a major life event.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the cultural importance placed on 婚姻 (hūnyīn). 人生大事 (rénshēng dàshì) literally means “a big matter in one's life.”
• Example 4:
  • 办理婚姻登记需要带什么文件？
  • Pinyin: Bànlǐ hūnyīn dēngjì xūyào dài shénme wénjiàn?
  • English: What documents do I need to bring to handle the marriage registration?
  • Analysis: This shows the formal, legal use of the term. 婚姻登记 (hūnyīn dēngjì) is the official term for “marriage registration.”
• Example 5:
  • 婚姻的基础应该是爱情，而不是金钱。
  • Pinyin: Hūnyīn de jīchǔ yīnggāi shì àiqíng, ér búshì jīnqián.
  • English: The foundation of marriage should be love, not money.
  • Analysis: This sentence expresses a modern perspective, contrasting love with practical considerations, a common debate surrounding 婚姻 (hūnyīn) in contemporary China.
• Example 6:
  • 很多年轻人对婚姻感到恐惧。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō niánqīngrén duì hūnyīn gǎndào kǒngjù.
  • English: Many young people feel scared of marriage.
  • Analysis: This reflects a growing modern sentiment, often called 恐婚 (kǒnghūn), or “fear of marriage.”
• Example 7:
  • 中国的《婚姻法》保障婚姻自由。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó de “Hūnyīn fǎ” bǎozhàng hūnyīn zìyóu.
  • English: China's “Marriage Law” guarantees the freedom of marriage.
  • Analysis: Another legal and formal use of the term. 婚姻法 (hūnyīnfǎ) is the specific name of the legislation.
• Example 8:
  • 一段失败的婚姻会给人留下很深的阴影。
  • Pinyin: Yí duàn shībài de hūnyīn huì gěi rén liúxià hěn shēn de yīnyǐng.
  • English: A failed marriage can leave a deep shadow on a person.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the measure word 段 (duàn) for a period of time to talk about a specific marriage. This illustrates how to refer to a single marital relationship.
• Example 9:
  • 父母的婚姻影响了她对感情的态度。
  • Pinyin: Fùmǔ de hūnyīn yǐngxiǎng le tā duì gǎnqíng de tàidù.
  • English: Her parents' marriage influenced her attitude towards relationships.
  • Analysis: This shows how a specific 婚姻 (hūnyīn) can be a reference point that affects someone's personal views.
• Example 10:
  • 维持一段长久的婚姻需要夫妻双方共同努力。
  • Pinyin: Wéichí yí duàn chángjiǔ de hūnyīn xūyào fūqī shuāngfāng gòngtóng nǔlì.
  • English: Maintaining a long-lasting marriage requires the joint effort of both husband and wife.
  • Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the responsibility and effort associated with the concept of 婚姻 (hūnyīn).

• Mistake 1: Confusing 婚姻 (hūnyīn) with 婚礼 (hūnlǐ).
  • 婚姻 (hūnyīn) is the abstract state or institution of marriage.
  • 婚礼 (hūnlǐ) is the concrete event: the wedding ceremony or party.
  • Incorrect: 他们的 婚姻 会在下个月举行。(Tāmen de hūnyīn huì zài xià ge yuè jǔxíng.) → “Their marriage will be held next month.”
  • Correct: 他们的 婚礼 会在下个月举行。(Tāmen de hūnlǐ huì zài xià ge yuè jǔxíng.) → “Their wedding ceremony will be held next month.”
  • Correct: 他们的 婚姻 很幸福。(Tāmen de hūnyīn hěn xìngfú.) → “Their marriage is very happy.”
• Mistake 2: Using 婚姻 (hūnyīn) instead of 结婚 (jiéhūn).
  • 婚姻 (hūnyīn) is a noun (marriage).
  • 结婚 (jiéhūn) is a verb (to get married).
  • Incorrect: 我们明年要 婚姻。(Wǒmen míngnián yào hūnyīn.) → “We want marriage next year.”
  • Correct: 我们明年要 结婚。(Wǒmen míngnián yào jiéhūn.) → “We are going to get married next year.”

• 结婚 (jiéhūn) - The verb “to get married.” This is the action, while 婚姻 is the state.
• 婚礼 (hūnlǐ) - The wedding ceremony or party. This is the event that initiates the 婚姻.
• 离婚 (líhūn) - The verb “to divorce.” The legal dissolution of a 婚姻.
• 夫妻 (fūqī) - “Husband and wife” or “a married couple.” The two people who are in a 婚姻.
• 家庭 (jiātíng) - Family; household. A 婚姻 is the foundation of a 家庭.
• 爱情 (àiqíng) - Romantic love. In modern China, it is considered an important (but not always sufficient) basis for 婚姻.
• 相亲 (xiāngqīn) - A blind date, often arranged by parents or matchmakers, with the explicit goal of finding a partner for 婚姻.
• 剩女 (shèngnǚ) - A colloquial and often pejorative term for an unmarried woman over the age of 27, reflecting societal pressure related to 婚姻.
• 配偶 (pèi'ǒu) - Spouse. A formal and legal term for one's partner in a 婚姻.
• 婚姻法 (hūnyīnfǎ) - The Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China, which governs 婚姻.