I'm learning 中文

订婚 — meaning in English: got engaged

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

Guess the translation for engagement
保费
bǎofèi
cān
运动
yùndòng
订婚
dìnghūn
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Mandarin Chinese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 订婚 (dìnghūn) during celebrations of engagement announcements, such as family gatherings or wedding planning discussions. For example, at a family dinner, someone might say, '我和他刚订婚了' (I just got engaged to him), sparking joy and excitement among relatives.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 嫁接 (jiàjiē), which also means 'to become engaged' but is less commonly used. In contrast, 订婚 (dìnghūn) emphasizes the formal aspect of engagement, making it the preferred choice in official announcements or conversations involving families.
Culture
The term 订婚 (dìnghūn) is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, reflecting the importance of marriage as a family affair rather than just a personal choice. Traditionally, engagements are formalized with family meetings and gift exchanges, symbolizing the joining of two families rather than just two individuals. Interestingly, the word also hints at a promise or commitment that transcends the couple, entailing family involvement.
FAQ
Q.What does 订婚 (dìnghūn) mean in English?
The word 订婚 (dìnghūn) translates to 'got engaged' in English, signifying a formal agreement to marry between two people.
Q.How do you pronounce 订婚 in Mandarin?
It is pronounced as 'dìnghūn,' where 'dìng' has a falling tone and 'hūn' has a high and level tone.
Q.Can you use 订婚 in casual conversations?
Yes, 订婚 (dìnghūn) is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. You can easily use it when talking with friends or family about engagements.
Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →
Chinese (Mandarin) 2000