10 Romantic Chinese Idioms for Weddings & Marriage

Love extends to all connections

Literal: Love house and its crow

This tender expression describes how love (爱) for a house (屋) extends (及) even to the crow (乌) perched on its roof. Dating back to the Warring States period, it first appeared in texts discussing how affection naturally spreads to associated things. The crow, often considered an unremarkable bird, b...

Honor one's teachers or humble origins

Literal: Love fur turn inside-out fur coat

The Warring States period text 'Lü's Spring and Autumn Annals' introduces this image of loving fur (爱毛) so much that one turns a fur coat inside out (反裘) to examine its foundation. Han Dynasty scholars transformed it into a metaphor for valuing origins over appearances. In northern China, where fur ...

Treat others with genuine warmth and enthusiasm

Literal: Treat people warmly

This phrase originated from Song Dynasty etiquette manuals for merchant households, first providing guidance for commercial hospitality before broadening to general interpersonal warmth. During the Ming Dynasty, it entered assessments of social cultivation and character. The concept of treating othe...

Willingly; without reluctance

Literal: Heart sweet feeling willing

This idiom describes a state where the heart (心) finds sweetness (甘) and feelings (情) are willing (愿). It emphasizes genuine, voluntary acceptance without resentment or coercion. The phrase appeared in Tang Dynasty poetry describing devotion freely given. The combination of emotional satisfaction wi...

Be perfectly compatible; hit it off

Literal: Feelings cast, ideas match

This idiom describes feelings (情) being cast together (投) and ideas (意) matching (合). It depicts natural compatibility where both emotions and thoughts align. The phrase captures the experience of meeting someone who just fits. Modern usage describes instant rapport, the rare experience of finding s...

Grow old together; lifelong partnership

Literal: White heads together in old age

This idiom describes white (白) heads (头) together (偕) in old age (老). It depicts couples who grow old together, their hair turning white side by side. The phrase is a common blessing at weddings. Modern usage expresses wishes for lasting marriages, the hope that couples will remain devoted until bot...

Love at first sight

Literal: One glance, feelings concentrate

This idiom describes at one (一) glance (见) feelings (情) concentrate (钟). It captures the experience of instant romantic attraction where love strikes at first sight. The phrase appeared in classical literature describing sudden, overwhelming romantic feelings. Modern usage describes love at first si...