zhàngfu: 丈夫 - Husband

Keywords: zhàngfu, 丈夫, Chinese for husband, how to say husband in Chinese, laogong, 老公, wife and husband in Chinese, formal Chinese, Chinese family terms, HSK 2 vocabulary.

Summary: Learn the Chinese word for husband, 丈夫 (zhàngfu). This comprehensive guide explores its meaning, cultural significance, and modern usage. Discover why 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is the formal and official term for “husband,” how it differs from the more common and informal 老公 (lǎogōng), and when to use it correctly in conversation and writing. This entry is perfect for learners who want to understand the nuances of Chinese family vocabulary.

Pinyin (with tone marks): zhàngfu

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 2

Concise Definition: A formal and written term for a married man; husband.

In a Nutshell: 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is the traditional and more formal way to say “husband.” Think of it as the word you would see on a legal document, hear in a news report, or use when speaking in a very respectful or official situation. While every native speaker understands it, in everyday casual conversation, people are much more likely to use the more intimate and common word 老公 (lǎogōng). Using 丈夫 (zhàngfu) conveys a sense of seriousness and respect.

丈 (zhàng): This character originally referred to a traditional Chinese unit of length (about 3.3 meters). Over time, it also came to be used to refer to an elder or a respected, senior male. In this context, it carries the connotation of a mature, respectable man.

夫 (fū): The character depicts a man (大) with a horizontal line (一) through the top, which originally symbolized a hairpin used in a coming-of-age ceremony for men. It directly means “man,” “adult male,” or “husband.”

Combined Meaning: The combination of 丈 (zhàng) and 夫 (fū) creates a term that emphasizes the husband's role as a mature, responsible, and respectable adult male within the family structure. It reflects a traditional view of the husband as a pillar of the household.

In traditional Chinese culture, influenced by Confucian values, the family structure was hierarchical. The 丈夫 (zhàngfu) was seen as the head of the household (一家之主, yījiāzhīzhǔ), with the primary responsibility of providing for and protecting the family. The term 丈夫 (zhàngfu) carries this historical weight, implying a man of stature and responsibility.

Comparison to Western Culture: In English, the word “husband” is a neutral descriptor for a married man, usable in virtually any context, from formal vows (“I now pronounce you husband and wife”) to casual conversation (“I'm meeting my husband for lunch”). 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is not so flexible. Its usage is narrower and carries a much more formal and slightly distant tone, evoking the traditional role of the husband more strongly than its English counterpart does in modern society. While the role of husbands is evolving rapidly in China, the language still retains this formal, traditional term.

Formality: 丈夫 (zhàngfu) is considered formal and is most appropriate in written Chinese or official/serious spoken contexts.

What to Avoid: Avoid using 丈夫 (zhàngfu) in casual, everyday conversations with friends and peers. It would sound overly stiff, formal, and might create an awkward distance. For daily life, 老公 (lǎogōng) is the go-to term.

Not a “Boyfriend”: 丈夫 (zhàngfu) exclusively means a legally married husband. Do not use it to refer to a boyfriend (男朋友 nánpéngyou) or a male partner to whom you are not married.

“Husband” vs. “丈夫”: Remember that the English “husband” has a much broader range of use than 丈夫 (zhàngfu). While you can use “husband” with your best friend or your boss, you should switch between 老公 (lǎogōng) and 丈夫 (zhàngfu) in Chinese depending on the formality of the situation.

* 老公 (lǎogōng) - The most common, informal, and affectionate term for “husband.” The direct counterpart to the English “hubby.”

* 妻子 (qīzi) - The formal and official term for “wife,” the direct counterpart to 丈夫 (zhàngfu).

* 老婆 (lǎopó) - The informal and affectionate term for “wife,” the counterpart to 老公 (lǎogōng).

* 夫妻 (fūqī) - A noun meaning “a married couple” or “husband and wife.” It combines the characters from 丈夫 and 妻子.

* 先生 (xiānsheng) - Primarily means “Mr.” or “gentleman.” However, it can also be used as a polite and respectful way to refer to one's own or another's husband (e.g., 我先生 - my husband). It is less formal than 丈夫 but more formal than 老公.

* 爱人 (àirén) - Literally “lover,” but it's a common term for “spouse” (husband or wife). It's often used by older generations or in official contexts and can sometimes be ambiguous.

* 结婚 (jiéhūn) - The verb “to marry” or “to get married.” This is the action that results in having a 丈夫.

* 家庭 (jiātíng) - “Family” or “household.” This is the primary social unit where the roles of 丈夫 and 妻子 exist.

* 男人 (nánrén) - The general term for “man” or “male.” A 丈夫 is a type of 男人.