to formally get engaged (esp. in arranged marriage)
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to formally get engaged; to arrange an engagement (often by parental arrangement)
formalSpecifically refers to the formal engagement or betrothal ceremony, often with a connotation of parents arranging the marriage, a more traditional practice. Less commonly used in modern, self-arranged relationships compared to '订婚'.
Tā他
men们
liǎng两
jiā家
shàng上
gè个
yuè月
yǐ已
jīng经
dìng定
qīn亲
le了
。
Their two families already formalized the engagement last month.
Zài在
jiù旧
shè社
huì会
，
xǔ许
duō多
nián年
qīng轻
rén人
dōu都
shì是
yóu由
fù父
mǔ母
dìng定
qīn亲
de的
。
In the old society, many young people had their engagements arranged by their parents.
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Dìng定
qīn亲
yí仪
shì式
tōng通
cháng常
yào要
jiāo交
huàn换
pìn聘
lǐ礼
hé和
hūn婚
yuē约
。
The engagement ceremony usually involves the exchange of betrothal gifts and a marriage contract.