你愿意做我的情人吗？
nǐ yuànyì zuò wǒ de qíngrén ma?
The English phrase "will you be my valentine?" is translated into Chinese as 你愿意做我的情人吗？ (nǐ yuànyì zuò wǒ de qíngrén ma?)
This phrase is a question used to ask someone to be your romantic partner on Valentine's Day.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 愿意 (yuànyì) means "to be willing to" and is the standard way to express willingness or consent when making a proposal or request. To turn the statement into a yes/no question, the sentence ends with the question particle 吗 (ma).
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ yuànyì zuò wǒ de qíngrén ma?
Did you know?
- Asking someone to be a 'valentine' is less common in China than giving a '520' themed gift, as the numbers 5-2-0 in Chinese sound similar to the phrase 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ), meaning 'I love you'.
- If you use the word 情人 in a more casual or old-fashioned context, it can sometimes imply a 'mistress' or an extramarital lover, which might lead to awkward misunderstandings.
- The legend behind the Chinese version of Valentine's Day involves two star-crossed lovers, the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd, who are allowed to meet only once a year.
Examples in context
- 当然啦，我们是好朋友嘛！Sure, we are good friends!
Example conversation
Zhiqiang gives Jiayi a bouquet of roses.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这些花很漂亮，谢谢你！Zhèxiē huā hěn piàoliang, xièxiè nǐ!These flowers are beautiful, thank you!
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你愿意做我的情人吗？Jiāyí, nǐ yuànyì zuò wǒ de qíngrén ma?Jiayi, will you be my valentine?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我当然愿意！Wǒ dāngrán yuànyì!Of course I will!
- 志强 Zhiqiang太好了，我非常开心。Tài hǎole, wǒ fēicháng kāixīn.Great, I am very happy.
