夫妻 — meaning in English: Husband and wife

fūqī · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for couple

mùlù

数量

shùliàng

夫妻

fūqī

滥用

lànyòng

现场

xiànchǎng

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 夫妻 (fūqī) in everyday conversations when discussing family structures, marriage, and relationships. For example, you might hear this term during a family gathering when talking about married couples or in discussions about marriage customs during festivals.

Synonyms & nuances

While 夫妻 (fūqī) specifically refers to 'husband and wife', the term 爱侣 (àilǚ) can also mean 'partners' or 'lovers' but lacks the formal connotation of marriage. Choose 夫妻 when you want to emphasize the marital relationship rather than simply romantic involvement.

Culture

The term 夫妻 (fūqī) reflects the traditional view of marriage in Chinese culture, where the partnership is not just about love but also mutual responsibilities and family lineage. Interestingly, the character 夫 (fū) denotes 'husband' and 妻 (qī) stands for 'wife', illustrating a balanced perspective on the roles within a marriage—a concept deeply rooted in Confucian ideals.

FAQ

Q.What does 夫妻 (fūqī) mean in English?

夫妻 (fūqī) translates to 'husband and wife' in English, referring specifically to a married couple. It encompasses both partners in a legally recognized marriage.

Q.Is 夫妻 (fūqī) used in formal settings?

Yes, 夫妻 (fūqī) can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's commonly found in social gatherings, legal documents, and discussions about family matters.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 夫妻 (fūqī)?

One common mistake is using 夫妻 (fūqī) to refer to romantic partners who are not married. It specifically denotes a legal marital relationship, so using it for unmarried couples would be incorrect.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000