claim kinship; seek connections; arrange marriage
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to claim kinship; to seek family connections; to pull strings
Often used in the set phrase 攀亲道故 (to claim ties and talk about old times). Can carry a slightly negative connotation of social climbing.
Don't claim kinship with me—I don't know you.
He always likes to claim ties and talk about old times to pull strings.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
These people cling to the powerful and love to claim connections with the rich and influential.
verb
to arrange a marriage; to betroth; to become related by marriage
dialectThis usage is dialectal and somewhat old-fashioned. Often used in rural contexts or historical settings.
They arranged a marriage for their son with a family from the neighboring village.
In the old society, people often arranged marriages for their children; now there is more freedom to choose one's own partner.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
These two families have become related by marriage, so they will be in-laws from now on.