相敬如宾
相敬如宾 (xiāng jìng rú bīn) literally means “respect each other like guests” and expresses “treat each other with respect”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: xiang jing ru bin, xiang jing ru bin,相敬如宾 meaning, 相敬如宾 in english
Treat each other with respect
Pronunciation: xiāng jìng rú bīn
Literal meaning: Respect each other like guests
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes respecting each other (相敬) like guests (如宾). It comes from Zuozhuan describing an ideal married couple who maintained the courtesy usually reserved for guests. The phrase depicts marriages where respect never fades into familiarity. Modern usage describes relationships, especially marriages, characterized by enduring mutual respect and courtesy.
Examples
English: "Their long marriage was built on mutual respect."
Chinese: 他们的婚姻长久，建立在相敬如宾的基础上。
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
不远千里
bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
Learn more →
朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
Learn more →
魂牵梦萦
hún qiān mèng yíng
Yearn day and night
Learn more →
恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
Learn more →
依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Be reluctant to part
Learn more →
难分难舍
nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
Learn more →
海枯石烂
hǎi kū shí làn
Until the end of time; eternal love
Learn more →
一见钟情
yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 相敬如宾 mean in English?
相敬如宾 (xiāng jìng rú bīn) literally translates to “Respect each other like guests” and is used to express “Treat each other with respect”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 相敬如宾 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving treat each other with respect.
What is the pinyin for 相敬如宾?
The pinyin pronunciation for 相敬如宾 is “xiāng jìng rú bīn”.