lǎopó: 老婆 - Wife

• Keywords: 老婆, laopo, Chinese for wife, how to say wife in Chinese, lǎopó meaning, Chinese terms of endearment, what does laopo mean, 老公, 妻子, 太太, 夫人, 爱人, Chinese family terms, informal Chinese
• Summary: “老婆” (lǎopó) is the most common and affectionate way to say “wife” in modern Mandarin Chinese. While its characters literally translate to “old woman,” it functions as a term of endearment, similar to “my wife” or “honey” in English. This page explores the meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage of “老婆,” comparing it to other terms like 妻子 (qīzi) and 太太 (tàitai) to help you speak like a native.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lǎopó
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: The common, informal, and affectionate term for “wife.”
• In a Nutshell: “老婆” is the go-to word for “wife” in everyday conversations in China. It's the word a husband would use to refer to his wife when talking to friends, family, or colleagues in a casual setting. It carries a warm, intimate feeling and is also frequently used by couples to address each other directly as a pet name.

• 老 (lǎo): The primary meaning is “old” or “venerable.” However, in many contexts, including this one, it serves as an affectionate prefix. It implies a long-standing, familiar, and cherished relationship, rather than literal age. Think of it like adding “my dear” to a term.
• 婆 (pó): This character means “old woman,” “grandmother,” or “mother-in-law.”
• Combined Meaning: When put together, 老婆 (lǎopó) does not mean “old old woman.” The `老` prefix transforms `婆` into an affectionate term for one's female partner in life. The combination signifies a deep, familiar bond, cementing the term as the standard for “wife” in a loving, long-term relationship.

In Chinese culture, words related to age don't always carry the negative connotations they might in the West. Using `老 (lǎo)` in front of a name or title, as in `老婆` (and its male counterpart, `老公 lǎogōng`), signifies deep familiarity, intimacy, and a shared history. It's a verbal signal that this person is an integral part of your life, someone you've “grown old” or will “grow old” with. A useful comparison is to the English term “my old man” or “my old lady.” While these English phrases can sometimes be used affectionately, they often carry a slightly dismissive or overly casual, even pejorative, tone. In contrast, `老婆` is unequivocally the standard, warm, and default term for “wife.” Using it doesn't diminish respect; it establishes closeness. This reflects a cultural value where long-term relationships and the passage of time are seen as foundational strengths of a family unit. The widespread adoption of `老婆` over more formal terms like `妻子 (qīzi)` in recent decades also shows a cultural shift towards more open and direct expressions of affection within marriage.

`老婆` is primarily used in informal and semi-formal situations.

• Referring to Your Wife: This is the most common usage. When talking about your wife to almost anyone—friends, family, or coworkers—`老婆` is the natural choice.
  • “My wife is a doctor.” → “我老婆是医生。” (Wǒ lǎopó shì yīshēng.)
• Addressing Your Wife Directly: Many couples, especially those born after the 1980s, call each other `老公` (husband) and `老婆` (wife) directly as pet names.
  • “Honey, I'm home!” → “老婆，我回来了！” (Lǎopó, wǒ huílái le!)
• Formality: `老婆` is not appropriate for very formal or official contexts. On a legal document, in a formal wedding speech, or when being introduced to a high-ranking official, the more formal and neutral term `妻子 (qīzi)` is preferred. Using `老婆` in such a situation would be like saying “my missus” instead of “my wife” at a state dinner—it's a bit too casual.

• Example 1:
  • 这是我的老婆，王丽。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ de lǎopó, Wáng Lì.
  • English: This is my wife, Wang Li.
  • Analysis: A standard, friendly introduction. Perfect for introducing your wife to friends or colleagues in a casual setting.
• Example 2:
  • 老婆，晚饭你想吃什么？
  • Pinyin: Lǎopó, wǎnfàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
  • English: Honey (Wife), what do you want to eat for dinner?
  • Analysis: Here, `老婆` is used as a direct term of address, just like “honey” or “darling” in English.
• Example 3:
  • 我得先问问我老婆的意见。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ děi xiān wènwen wǒ lǎopó de yìjiàn.
  • English: I have to ask my wife's opinion first.
  • Analysis: A very common phrase showing that the speaker respects and consults their wife in decision-making.
• Example 4:
  • 他老婆比他高。
  • Pinyin: Tā lǎopó bǐ tā gāo.
  • English: His wife is taller than him.
  • Analysis: A simple descriptive sentence referring to someone else's wife in a neutral, informal way.
• Example 5:
  • 你看，我给我老婆买了一条新项链。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn, wǒ gěi wǒ lǎopó mǎi le yì tiáo xīn xiàngliàn.
  • English: Look, I bought a new necklace for my wife.
  • Analysis: This sentence demonstrates giving a gift, and `老婆` adds a layer of affection to the act.
• Example 6:
  • 我和我老婆是大学同学。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ hé wǒ lǎopó shì dàxué tóngxué.
  • English: My wife and I were university classmates.
  • Analysis: This explains the history of a relationship, where `老婆` feels natural and warm.
• Example 7:
  • 他很听老婆的话。
  • Pinyin: Tā hěn tīng lǎopó de huà.
  • English: He is very obedient to his wife.
  • Analysis: This is a common, often humorous, observation about a husband who listens to his wife's advice (or commands). The use of `老婆` makes it sound colloquial and light-hearted.
• Example 8:
  • 找个好老婆比找个好工作还难。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎo ge hǎo lǎopó bǐ zhǎo ge hǎo gōngzuò hái nán.
  • English: Finding a good wife is even harder than finding a good job.
  • Analysis: A common saying or piece of folk wisdom. `老婆` is used here as a general concept.
• Example 9:
  • 别担心，我老婆很会做饭，你肯定喜欢。
  • Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, wǒ lǎopó hěn huì zuòfàn, nǐ kěndìng xǐhuān.
  • English: Don't worry, my wife is a great cook, you'll definitely like it.
  • Analysis: A typical sentence when inviting a friend over for dinner, showing pride in one's wife's skills.
• Example 10:
  • 我的老婆是我的英雄。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de lǎopó shì wǒ de yīngxióng.
  • English: My wife is my hero.
  • Analysis: Expresses deep admiration and love. `老婆` is the perfect word here, as a more formal term like `妻子` would sound distant and less emotional.

• Mistake: Thinking “老” means it's insulting.
  • A common error for learners is to literally translate the characters and assume `老婆` means “old lady,” which sounds disrespectful in English. This is incorrect. The `老` prefix is a sign of affection and familiarity.
  • Incorrect idea: “I shouldn't call my young wife `老婆` because she's not old.”
  • Correction: `老婆` is used for wives of all ages. The term signifies the depth and permanence of the relationship, not physical age.
• Mistake: Using `老婆` in highly formal situations.
  • While `老婆` is the most common term, it can be out of place in settings that demand formality.
  • Incorrect Usage: At a formal awards ceremony, an announcer says: “请李教授和他的老婆上台。” (Qǐng Lǐ jiàoshòu hé tā de lǎopó shàngtái.) - “Please welcome Professor Li and his missus to the stage.”
  • Correction: In this context, `妻子 (qīzi)` or `夫人 (fūrén)` would be more appropriate and respectful. “请李教授和他的妻子上台。” (Qǐng Lǐ jiàoshòu hé tā de qīzi shàngtái.) sounds much more professional.
• Differentiating `老婆`, `妻子`, and `太太`:
  • `老婆 (lǎopó)`: Informal & Affectionate. Use for your own wife when talking to friends, or as a pet name.
  • `妻子 (qīzi)`: Formal & Neutral. Use in writing, legal documents, and formal speech. The “official” word.
  • `太太 (tàitai)`: Respectful & Slightly Traditional. Means “Mrs.” or “wife.” Often used when referring to someone else's wife respectfully (e.g., 王太太 - Mrs. Wang). Less common among mainland youth for referring to their own wives compared to `老婆`.

• 老公 (lǎogōng) - The direct male counterpart to `老婆`; the most common and informal word for “husband.”
• 妻子 (qīzi) - The formal, written, and neutral term for “wife.”
• 太太 (tàitai) - A respectful term for “wife,” also used as “Mrs.” before a surname.
• 夫人 (fūrén) - A very formal term for a respected woman or wife, equivalent to “Madam” or “Lady.” Often used for the wives of high-ranking officials.
• 爱人 (àirén) - Literally “lover,” it means “spouse” (husband or wife). Its usage is a bit dated and more common with the older generation; it can sometimes be ambiguous to younger speakers or those from Taiwan, where it more strictly means “lover” (in a romantic, not necessarily marital, sense).
• 媳妇 (xífù) - A term with a regional dual-meaning. It most commonly means “daughter-in-law,” but in Northern China, it is also a very common and colloquial term for “wife.”
• 夫妻 (fūqī) - A noun meaning “a married couple” or “husband and wife.”
• 结婚 (jiéhūn) - The verb “to get married.”
• 配偶 (pèi'ǒu) - The legal and technical term for “spouse,” used on official forms. You would never use this in conversation.