Marriage is an important milestone in many people’s lives, and expressing this concept in different languages allows for cultural understanding and diversity. If you’re interested in learning how to say “married” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this term, focusing on mainland Chinese Mandarin. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Married” in Chinese
When it comes to using formal language, Chinese offers several phrases to express the concept of being married. These options vary based on context and familiarity:
- 已婚 (yǐ hūn) – This term directly translates to “already married.” It is commonly used in official or formal settings, such as legal documents or bureaucratic procedures.
- 结婚 (jié hūn) – The phrase “结婚” means “to get married.” While it’s not specifically a word conveying “married,” it is extensively used in formal contexts as a verb. For example, you could say “我已经结婚了” (wǒ yǐ jīng jié hūn le), meaning “I am already married.”
- 夫妻 (fū qī) – This term refers to a “married couple” and is often used in formal and legal settings to define the relationship between two people who are married.
Informal Ways to Say “Married” in Chinese
When it comes to casual conversations or informal settings, Chinese offers different terms that capture the essence of being married:
- 结了婚 (jié le hūn) – This phrase can be used to mean “got married.” It is commonly used in everyday speech and casual conversations, emphasizing the completion of the marriage process.
- 有家室 (yǒu jiā shì) – This phrase, which roughly translates to “have a family,” conveys a person is married and has a family unit. It’s typically used to imply marital status in a casual manner.
- 成婚 (chéng hūn) – Referring to a successful marriage, this expression can be used casually to indicate that someone is married.
Regional Variations
In mainland Chinese Mandarin, the abovementioned phrases are widely understood and used. However, it’s important to note that regional variations exist within China, resulting in some differences in vocabulary. For example:
In Cantonese (spoken in southern China and Hong Kong), “已婚” (yǐ hūn) is pronounced as “yi foon” and “结婚” (jié hūn) is pronounced as “git fan.” While the meanings remain the same, the pronunciation differs slightly.
These variations are mostly related to pronunciation and do not significantly alter the meaning. It’s essential to keep in mind that Mandarin Chinese is the official language and is universally understood throughout China.
Examples and Usage
To help you understand the usage of these phrases better, here are some examples:
- Formal Examples:
- According to my official documents, I am 已婚 (yǐ hūn) – already married.
- We are a 夫妻 (fū qī) – married couple.
- Informal Examples:
- I heard they just 结了婚 (jié le hūn) – got married.
- She 有家室 (yǒu jiā shì) – has a family.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “married” in Chinese! Remember, when it comes to formal settings, phrases like “已婚” (yǐ hūn) and “结婚” (jié hūn) are commonly used. In informal conversations, phrases like “结了婚” (jié le hūn) and “有家室” (yǒu jiā shì) are more suitable. Practice using these phrases to enhance your Mandarin language skills and confidently discuss marital topics with Chinese-speaking friends or acquaintances!
