propose marriage; seek a marital alliance
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to propose marriage; to seek a marital alliance (said of one family approaching another)
formalThis is a formal, traditional term describing the institutional act of one family formally requesting marriage with another. It is distinct from the more personal 求婚 (proposing to an individual). The subject is typically the family or a matchmaker acting on their behalf.
Nán男
fāng方
wěi委
tuō托
méi媒
ren人
qián前
wǎng往
nǚ女
fāng方
jiā家
qiú求
qīn亲
。
The groom's family entrusted a matchmaker to go to the bride's family to propose marriage.
Gǔ古
shí时
hou候
，
qiú求
qīn亲
xū需
yào要
zhǔn准
bèi备
fēng丰
hòu厚
de的
pìn聘
lǐ礼
。
In ancient times, proposing marriage required preparing generous betrothal gifts.
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Liǎng两
jiā家
de的
zhǎng长
bèi辈
zhèng正
zài在
shāng商
yì议
qiú求
qīn亲
de的
jù具
tǐ体
shì事
yí宜
。
The elders of both families are discussing the specific details of the marriage proposal.