lǎogōng: 老公 - Husband

Keywords: 老公, laogong, husband in Chinese, my husband in Chinese, how to say husband in Chinese, 丈夫, 先生, 老婆, Chinese family terms, Chinese spouse

Summary: “老公 (lǎogōng)” is the most common, modern, and affectionate way to say “husband” in Mandarin Chinese. Used in everyday conversation and on social media, it's the equivalent of “my husband” or even “hubby” in English, signifying a close and intimate relationship. This entry breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage, contrasting it with more formal terms like `丈夫 (zhàngfu)` and `先生 (xiānsheng)` to help you know exactly when and how to use it.

Pinyin (with tone marks): lǎo gōng

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 3

Concise Definition: An informal and affectionate term for “husband.”

In a Nutshell: Think of `老公 (lǎogōng)` as the default word for “husband” in modern, everyday Chinese. It's warm, familiar, and used between spouses and when talking to friends and family. While it literally contains the character for “old” (老), it has nothing to do with age and is used by couples of all ages, including young newlyweds.

老 (lǎo): This character's primary meaning is “old” or “venerable.” However, when used as a prefix in many Chinese words, it indicates familiarity, respect, or affection, rather than age. Think of `老师 (lǎoshī)` for “teacher” or `老板 (lǎobǎn)` for “boss.” In `老公`, it adds a sense of endearment.

公 (gōng): This character can mean “public,” “male,” or carry a sense of respect, historically referring to a duke or a lord.

Combined Meaning: Historically, `老公` referred to high-ranking court eunuchs or was a respectful term for an elderly man. Its modern meaning as “husband” is a relatively recent evolution, becoming popular in the 1980s and 90s, likely influenced by Hong Kong and Taiwanese pop culture. The term's journey reflects a cultural shift towards more open and affectionate expressions of love in marital relationships.

From Formal to Intimate: The evolution of `老公` from an archaic, formal term to the standard for affectionate address is a window into modernizing Chinese society. It signals a move away from the highly formal, Confucian roles defined by terms like `丈夫 (zhàngfu)`, towards a relationship model that values and openly expresses personal intimacy and partnership.

Comparison to Western Culture: In English, the word “husband” is quite neutral. `老公 (lǎogōng)` is a step more informal and affectionate. It's closer in feeling to saying “my hubby” or how “my husband” is used in a warm, loving tone among friends. The more traditional and formal term `丈夫 (zhàngfu)` is like “husband” as used on an official form or in a formal announcement. Using `老公` shows you are “in the know” about modern Chinese culture.

Related Values: The widespread use of `老公` and its counterpart `老婆 (lǎopó)` for “wife” reflects a greater emphasis on the nuclear family unit and the romantic partnership at its core, a contrast to more traditional structures where the individual's role within the larger extended family was paramount.

Social Media: It is ubiquitous on platforms like WeChat (微信), Weibo (微博), and Douyin (抖音). Posts about family life, vacations, or date nights are filled with `老公`.

Formality: `老公` is decidedly informal. Avoid using it in highly formal or official situations, such as on legal documents, in a courtroom, or when introducing your husband to a senior, respected elder for the first time. In these cases, `我先生 (wǒ xiānsheng)` or `我爱人 (wǒ àiren)` is more appropriate. For written forms, `丈夫 (zhàngfu)` is the correct choice.

Nuance: `老 (lǎo)` Does Not Mean Old. A common misunderstanding for beginners is thinking the `老` makes the term refer to an “old husband.” This is incorrect. It's a prefix of affection. A 25-year-old woman calls her 25-year-old husband `老公`.

Nuance: Public vs. Private Affection. While `老公` is informal, it's not overly private or “cutesy” like “hubby-wubby.” It's perfectly normal to use in public with friends or in a casual work environment. It simply signals “this is my partner in life.”

老婆 (lǎopó): The direct female counterpart to `老公`. It means “wife” with the same level of modern, informal affection.

丈夫 (zhàngfu): The formal, written term for “husband.” Use this on documents and in very formal speech.

妻子 (qīzi): The formal, written term for “wife.” It is the direct counterpart to `丈夫`.

先生 (xiānsheng): A polite and slightly more formal way to refer to a husband. It also means “Mr.” or “gentleman.” It can be a good middle-ground if `老公` feels too casual and `丈夫` feels too stiff.

爱人 (àiren): Literally “lover,” but it means “spouse” (gender-neutral). It was promoted by the Communist Party to signify equality. It can sound a bit official or dated to younger generations but is still used by older people.

另一半 (lìngyībàn): “Other half.” A modern, sweet, and gender-neutral term for a spouse or serious partner.

男人 (nánrén): Means “man.” In slang, a woman might refer to her husband or boyfriend as `我男人 (wǒ nánrén)`, meaning “my man.” This is very colloquial.

家属 (jiāshǔ): “Family member(s).” An official term used on forms or in institutional settings (like a hospital or company) to refer to one's spouse and dependents.