相敬如宾

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。