Understanding "婚姻" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 婚姻
• Pinyin: hūn yīn
• Literal Meaning: "Marriage" (婚 hūn = marriage; 姻 yīn = marital relationship)
• Primary Meaning: Refers to the legal or formal union of two people as partners in a personal relationship, i.e., marriage.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"婚姻" is a formal term for marriage in Chinese, encompassing the legal, social, and emotional aspects of the union. It is used in both spoken and written contexts, such as discussing marital status, relationships, or societal views on marriage. Unlike the more colloquial term "结婚" (jié hūn, "to get married"), "婚姻" often refers to the institution or state of marriage itself.

Character Breakdown

• 婚 (hūn): Means "marriage" or "wedding." The left radical (女 nǚ) means "woman," and the right component (昏 hūn) originally meant "dusk," symbolizing ancient wedding ceremonies held at dusk.
• 姻 (yīn): Refers to the bond or relationship created by marriage. The left radical (女 nǚ) again means "woman," and the right component (因 yīn) means "cause" or "reason," implying the foundation of a marital bond.

Together, "婚姻" emphasizes the union and its societal significance.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他们的婚姻非常幸福。
   Pinyin: Tāmen de hūnyīn fēicháng xìngfú.
   English: Their marriage is very happy.

2. Chinese: 婚姻需要双方共同努力。
   Pinyin: Hūnyīn xūyào shuāngfāng gòngtóng nǔlì.
   English: Marriage requires mutual effort from both parties.

3. Chinese: 在现代社会，婚姻观念发生了变化。
   Pinyin: Zài xiàndài shèhuì, hūnyīn guānniàn fāshēngle biànhuà.
   English: In modern society, views on marriage have changed.

Cultural Notes

In traditional Chinese culture, marriage was often arranged by families and seen as a union between two families rather than just two individuals. Confucian values emphasized harmony, duty, and continuity of the family line. Today, while love marriages are the norm, parental opinions and societal expectations still play a role. The term "婚姻" carries these historical and cultural connotations, reflecting both personal and collective dimensions.

Conclusion

"婚姻" (hūn yīn) is the Chinese word for "marriage," representing the formal and enduring union between partners. Understanding its characters and cultural context helps learners appreciate its deeper significance in Chinese society. Use it when discussing marriage as an institution or long-term relationship.