In Chinese culture, 婚姻 (hūnyīn) is traditionally seen as a cornerstone of society and a prerequisite for a stable, complete life. It is not merely a private affair between two individuals but a significant event for two families. A key contrast with modern Western culture is the emphasis on collective, familial benefit versus individual romantic fulfillment. While romantic love (爱情 - àiqíng) is increasingly important, the practical considerations of a good 婚姻 (hūnyīn)—such as compatible family backgrounds, financial stability, and the goal of having children (传宗接代 - chuán zōng jiē dài, to continue the family line)—are still major factors. This creates immense social and parental pressure to marry by a certain age. This pressure is particularly strong for women, leading to the modern, colloquial term 剩女 (shèngnǚ), or “leftover woman,” for educated, urban women who are unmarried past their late twenties. Therefore, discussing 婚姻 (hūnyīn) in China often involves a complex negotiation between personal desires, parental expectations, and societal norms.
婚姻 (hūnyīn) is a formal and standard term used in a wide range of contexts.