These characters combine literally to mean “Early Give Birth to a Precious Son.” The phrase is a compact, poetic expression of a significant cultural expectation and hope.
“早生贵子” is more than just a simple “congratulations”; it's a window into traditional Chinese family values rooted in Confucianism. The core concepts are: 1. 传宗接代 (chuánzōng jiēdài) - Continuing the Family Line: Traditionally, the primary purpose of marriage was to produce heirs, particularly sons, to carry on the family name, inherit property, and perform ancestral worship rites. This phrase is a direct verbalization of that societal hope. 2. 重男轻女 (zhòngnánqīngnǚ) - Valuing Sons over Daughters: The specificity of “贵子” (precious son) stems from a historically patriarchal society where sons were seen as an asset (continuing the lineage, providing labor) while daughters were often considered to be “marrying out” of the family. While this mindset is changing, the traditional phrase remains in use. To put it in perspective, a common Western wedding wish is “Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness.” This focuses on the romantic and emotional well-being of the couple as individuals. “早生贵子”, by contrast, focuses on the couple's function within the larger family unit and their role in ensuring its future. It highlights a more collectivist cultural value, where the family's continuity is paramount.