Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #7,200 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

夫妇

Top 7,200

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 夫妇 en 30 secondes

Explication 夫妇 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn the building blocks of Chinese. While '夫妇' (fūfù) is a slightly more advanced word than '爸爸' (bàba) or '妈妈' (māma), it is useful to recognize it as a way to say 'husband and wife.' Think of it as a special package word. Instead of saying 'a man and a woman who are married,' you can just use this one word. At this stage, you don't need to worry too much about the formal tone. Just remember that it refers to two people who are married. You might see it in simple stories or on signs. It is always two people. If you see '一对夫妇' (yī duì fūfù), just know it means 'one married couple.' You can practice by pointing at photos of married celebrities and saying '夫妇.' This helps you associate the word with the image of a pair. Don't worry about the complex characters yet; focus on the sound 'fū fù' and the meaning of 'married pair.' It is a building block for understanding family structures in Chinese culture. Even at A1, knowing this word makes you sound more advanced than someone who only knows 'husband' (丈夫) and 'wife' (妻子) separately. It shows you understand how Chinese combines concepts into single words. Keep it simple: 夫妇 = husband + wife.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you are starting to understand that Chinese has different ways of saying the same thing depending on how formal you want to be. '夫妇' (fūfù) is your first introduction to formal registers. While you might use '夫妻' (fūqī) in your textbook, '夫妇' is what you will see in newspapers or hear on the news. At this level, you should start using the measure word '对' (duì) with it. For example, '这对夫妇' (this couple). You should also notice that '夫妇' is often used with surnames. If you see '王夫妇' (Wáng fūfù), it means 'Mr. and Mrs. Wang.' This is a very useful pattern for writing letters or emails. You are also learning to describe people, so you can combine '夫妇' with simple adjectives like '老' (lǎo - old) or '年轻' (niánqīng - young). '一对老夫妇' (an old couple) is a very common phrase in A2 level reading materials. You should also be aware that this word is for married people only. If they are just dating, use '情侣' (qínglǚ). By using '夫妇' correctly at the A2 level, you demonstrate that you are moving beyond basic survival Chinese and into more socially appropriate language. It's about learning the right word for the right situation. In your A2 speaking tests, using '夫妇' to describe a couple in a picture will impress your teacher because it sounds more 'native' and respectful than just saying '男人和女人' (a man and a woman).

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social interactions and understand the nuances of Chinese culture. '夫妇' (fūfù) becomes an essential part of your formal vocabulary. You should now understand that '夫妇' is not just a translation of 'husband and wife,' but a term that carries social weight. It is used to show respect (给面子). When you are invited to a formal dinner or a wedding, or when you are talking about someone else's parents in a respectful way, '夫妇' is the preferred term. You should also start to see it in more complex sentence structures. For example, '这对夫妇共同经营一家书店' (This couple runs a bookstore together). Here, '夫妇' acts as the subject of a sophisticated verb. You should also be able to distinguish between '夫妇' and '夫妻.' While '夫妻' describes the relationship (e.g., '夫妻关系' - marital relationship), '夫妇' describes the people themselves as a unit. At B1, you are also learning more about the characters. You can see that '夫' (husband) and '妇' (wife) come together to form the word. Understanding this internal logic helps you remember the word. You should also be able to use it in writing prompts about family or society. Using '夫妇' in an essay about social trends or family values will give your writing a more professional and academic feel, which is exactly what is required at the B1 level.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the stylistic differences between '夫妇,' '夫妻,' and '两口子.' You are now analyzing texts where the choice of '夫妇' over another term tells you something about the author's intent or the setting of the story. For example, in a news report about a diplomatic visit, '总统夫妇' (The President and his wife) is used to maintain a professional distance and show international protocol. You should be able to use '夫妇' in debates or presentations about social issues, such as '夫妇的权利' (rights of a married couple) or '丁克夫妇' (DINK couples - Double Income, No Kids). At this level, your grammar should be flawless when using this word, including the correct use of measure words and modifiers. You should also be aware of how '夫妇' is used in historical or literary contexts. In a B2 level reading of a modern Chinese short story, the transition from calling a character '那个女人' to '王夫妇中的妻子' might signify a change in social status or how the character is perceived by the community. You should also be able to explain the term to others, noting its formal register and its roots in traditional Chinese family values. Your ability to switch between '夫妇' in a formal report and '两口子' in a casual conversation with a Chinese friend is a key indicator of your B2 proficiency. It shows you are not just translating, but you are communicating with cultural intelligence.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native fluency and should understand the deep etymological and philosophical roots of '夫妇' (fūfù). You should be aware of its place in the 'Five Relationships' (五伦) of Confucianism, where the relationship between husband and wife is seen as one of the foundational pillars of a stable society. This historical context explains why the word remains so formal and respected today. You should be able to appreciate the word in classical literature or high-level academic papers on sociology and history. At this level, you might encounter the word in legal codes or historical documents where it defines the roles and responsibilities of the marital unit. You should also be sensitive to how the word is used in different Chinese-speaking regions; for example, while '夫妇' is universal, some regions might have specific local variations in how they address couples in formal settings. Your use of '夫妇' should be effortless and perfectly timed. In a professional negotiation or a high-level academic discussion, using '夫妇' demonstrates your mastery of the 'high' register of Mandarin. You should also be able to discuss the evolution of the term—how the '妇' character, which originally depicted a woman with a broom, has evolved in the modern context of gender equality, while the word '夫妇' itself remains a stable, formal anchor in the language. C1 learners should also be able to use the word in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere, perhaps one of tradition, formality, or social propriety.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the Chinese language, and '夫妇' (fūfù) is a word you understand in all its complexity. You can analyze its use in the most sophisticated literary works, identifying how it might be used ironically, nostalgically, or to critique social structures. You are aware of the subtle phonological and rhythmic qualities the word brings to a sentence, especially in formal speeches or poetic prose. A C2 learner can discuss the linguistic shift from monosyllabic words in Classical Chinese to the disyllabic '夫妇' in Modern Mandarin and how this reflects broader changes in the language's structure. You are also capable of understanding the word within the context of modern legal debates, such as those surrounding the definition of marriage. In high-level diplomatic or academic translation, you know exactly when '夫妇' is the only acceptable choice to maintain the dignity of the subjects. You can also trace the character evolution of '夫' and '妇' from oracle bone script to their modern forms, explaining how the visual representation of these roles has changed over millennia. Your understanding of '夫妇' is not just about a word for 'couple,' but about understanding a core component of the Chinese social and linguistic fabric. You can navigate the most delicate social situations in China, using this term to show exactly the right amount of respect and distance, proving that you have not only learned the language but have internalized the culture it represents.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

夫妇 en 30 secondes

A formal noun for a married couple.
Commonly used as a title like 'Mr. and Mrs.'
Requires the measure word '对' (duì).
Higher register than '夫妻' (fūqī) or '两口子'.

The Chinese term 夫妇 (fūfù) is a formal and dignified noun used to denote a married couple, specifically a husband and wife. Unlike more casual terms, 夫妇 carries a weight of social recognition and respect, often appearing in contexts where the relationship is being acknowledged by an external party or in official capacities. In the landscape of Mandarin Chinese, vocabulary is often divided by register—the level of formality—and 夫妇 sits comfortably in the upper tiers. It is the term you would encounter on a formal wedding invitation, in a newspaper report discussing a prominent duo, or in a legal document describing joint ownership.

Formal Recognition: Used when addressing or referring to a couple in a professional or respectful setting, often preceded by a surname, such as 王夫妇 (The Wangs).

The character 夫 (fū) historically represents a man who has reached adulthood, often depicted in ancient scripts as a person with a hairpin, signifying maturity. The character 妇 (fù), on the other hand, traditionally depicted a woman with a broom, representing domestic roles in ancient times. While the modern usage of the word does not strictly enforce these ancient gender roles in a literal sense, the word remains the standard formal collective noun for a married pair.

这对夫妇在社区里非常受人尊敬。

(This husband and wife are very well-respected in the community.)

In daily life, while you might use 夫妻 (fūqī) to talk about the concept of marriage or 'husband and wife' in a general sense, 夫妇 is frequently used as a title. For example, if you are introducing a couple at a gala, you would refer to them as XX夫妇. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the 'face' (面子) culture in China; using the correct formal term bestows honor upon the couple being discussed. It is also worth noting that in historical literature, 夫妇 was one of the five cardinal relationships in Confucianism, emphasizing the foundational nature of the marital bond in maintaining social order. This deep-rooted cultural significance ensures that even in modern, fast-paced China, the term remains a staple of refined communication.

Etymological Depth: The juxtaposition of 'man' and 'woman' in their marital roles creates a balanced linguistic unit that implies a complete household unit.

林氏夫妇捐赠了一大笔钱给图书馆。

(The Lin couple donated a large sum of money to the library.)

Grammatical Constraint: It is almost always preceded by a demonstrative like 这 (this) or 那 (that), or a specific surname, rather than being used as a standalone general noun in casual speech.

The application of 夫妇 (fūfù) in sentences follows specific syntactic patterns that distinguish it from its synonyms. Most commonly, it functions as a subject or an object in a sentence, often modified by a measure word or a surname. The most frequent measure word used with 夫妇 is 对 (duì), which means 'pair'. Using 一对夫妇 (a couple) is the standard way to introduce them as a unit.

路口住着一对老夫妇。

(An old couple lives at the intersection.)

When you want to specify a particular couple by their family name, the structure is [Surname] + 夫妇. This is equivalent to 'Mr. and Mrs. [Surname]' in English. For instance, 李夫妇 refers to the Li couple. This is a highly efficient way to address people in formal correspondence or at events.

Formal Address: [Surname] + 夫妇 is the standard formal way to refer to a married pair in writing or formal introductions.

Another common pattern involves describing the state or characteristics of the couple. Because 夫妇 represents a single unit, adjectives like 恩爱 (ēn'ài) (deeply in love) or 年轻 (niánqīng) (young) are often used as modifiers.

那对年轻夫妇正在环游世界。

(That young couple is traveling around the world.)

In more complex sentences, 夫妇 can be the target of an action, such as an invitation or a greeting. 邀请王夫妇参加晚宴 (Inviting the Wang couple to the dinner party). Note that 夫妇 is rarely used by a husband or wife to refer to themselves when speaking to others; instead, they might use '我们两口子' (informal) or '我们夫妻' (neutral).

Noun Phrase Structure: [Demonstrative/Number] + 对 + [Adjective] + 夫妇. Example: 这对勤劳的夫妇 (This hardworking couple).

In academic or sociological writing, you might see 夫妇关系 (marital relationship/the relationship between husband and wife), where the word acts as a compound modifier. This highlights the formal, structural nature of the term.

法律保护夫妇的合法权益。

(The law protects the legal rights and interests of husband and wife.)

You are most likely to encounter 夫妇 (fūfù) in media, formal events, and literature rather than in the hustle and bustle of a wet market. Television news anchors use it constantly when reporting on public figures. For instance, 'The President and his wife' is often translated as 总统夫妇. In the realm of entertainment news, when a celebrity couple makes a public appearance, the headlines will invariably use 夫妇 to describe them.

Media Usage: Broadcasters and journalists prefer 夫妇 for its objective, respectful tone when discussing married individuals in the public eye.

At formal gatherings like weddings, the master of ceremonies (MC) will use 夫妇 to introduce the newlyweds or the parents of the bride and groom. If you receive a wedding invitation in China, the envelope might be addressed to [Name] 夫妇. This signals a level of social etiquette and formality that 夫妻 or 两口子 cannot convey.

各位来宾，让我们欢迎王小明夫妇！

(Guests, let us welcome Mr. and Mrs. Wang Xiaoming!)

In literature, specifically novels and biographies, 夫妇 is used to provide a narrative distance and a sense of gravity to the relationship. It describes the couple as a social institution. You will also hear it in period dramas (wuxia or historical series) where characters speak with more deliberate, formal language.

Professional Contexts: Lawyers, real estate agents, and financial advisors use 夫妇 when discussing joint assets or legal status to maintain professionalism.

这对夫妇打算在市中心买一套公寓。

(The couple intends to buy an apartment in the city center.)

Even in modern digital spaces, such as professional networking sites or formal social media announcements, 夫妇 remains the preferred term for presenting a united, respectable front. It is a word that bridges the gap between traditional values and modern formal communication.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 夫妇 (fūfù) is misjudging the register. Because 'husband and wife' is a neutral phrase in English, learners often use 夫妇 in casual conversation where 夫妻 or 两口子 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我夫妇昨天去超市了' (My husband and I went to the supermarket yesterday) sounds incredibly stiff and slightly strange, as if you are reading from a legal affidavit about your own life.

Register Mismatch: Using 夫妇 to refer to yourself and your spouse in casual settings is overly formal. Use '我们夫妻' or '我们两口子' instead.

Another common mistake is using the wrong measure word. In English, we just say 'the couple,' but in Chinese, 夫妇 requires the measure word 对 (duì). Using 个 (gè) or 位 (wèi) is grammatically incorrect or awkward.

Incorrect: 两个夫妇来到餐厅。
Correct: 一对夫妇来到餐厅。

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 夫妇 with 情侣 (qínglǚ). It is important to remember that 夫妇 specifically implies a legal marriage. Referring to a dating couple as 夫妇 might be seen as a premature assumption or a misunderstanding of their relationship status.

Placement of Surnames: Ensure the surname comes BEFORE the word 夫妇. Saying '夫妇李' is an anglicism; the correct form is '李夫妇'.

Finally, avoid overusing the word. While it is a great word for formal writing, using it repeatedly in a short paragraph can make the text feel repetitive and clinical. Vary your vocabulary with terms like 他们 (they) or 这家人 (this family) when the context is already established.

这对夫妇很有钱，但他们很低调。

(This couple is very wealthy, but they are very low-key.)

To truly master 夫妇 (fūfù), one must understand how it compares to other terms for 'couple' or 'husband and wife'. The most direct synonym is 夫妻 (fūqī). While both mean husband and wife, 夫妻 is more versatile and slightly less formal. You can use 夫妻 in both written and spoken Chinese, and it is the standard term for the concept of 'the married pair' in general conversation.

夫妇 vs. 夫妻: 夫妇 is a formal title/collective noun. 夫妻 is a general noun for the relationship or the pair.

Then there is 两口子 (liǎngkǒuzi), a quintessential Northern Chinese colloquialism. This is the word you use when chatting with friends about your neighbors or your own marriage. It is warm, informal, and carries a sense of familiarity. You would never use 两口子 in a news report or a formal speech.

他们两口子经常吵架，但很快就和好了。

(That couple often quarrels, but they make up quickly.)

For dating couples who are not yet married, the term is 情侣 (qínglǚ). This specifically refers to lovers or a boyfriend-girlfriend pair. Using 夫妇 for them would be a significant error.

Legal Contexts: In legal documents, you might see the term 配偶 (pèi'ǒu), which means 'spouse'. It is gender-neutral and used for one individual in the marriage.

Another alternative is 爱人 (àiren). In mainland China, especially in the mid-20th century, this was the standard way to refer to one's own husband or wife. While still used by older generations, it has become less common among youth, who might prefer '老公/老婆' (informal) or '先生/太太' (polite).

这对夫妇是我们的贵宾。

(This couple is our honored guest.)

Lastly, 双亲 (shuāngqīn) refers to 'both parents.' While a couple might be parents, 夫妇 describes their relationship to each other, whereas 双亲 describes their relationship to their child. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the social context and the relationship you have with the people you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character '妇' (fù) originally showed a woman holding a broom, symbolizing her role in managing the household in ancient China. The character '夫' (fū) showed a man with a horizontal line representing a hairpin, indicating he had reached adulthood.

Guide de prononciation

UK /fuː fuː/

US /fuː fuː/

Equal stress on both syllables in Mandarin.

Rime avec

路 (lù) 库 (kù) 树 (shù) 步 (bù) 度 (dù) 副 (fù) 赋 (fù) 父 (fù)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'fū fū' (first tone) instead of 'fù fù' (fourth tone).
Confusing the 'u' sound with 'ü'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common in A2-B1 texts.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the '妇' character and the formal context.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires knowing when it's too formal.

Écoute 1/5

Very distinct sound 'fū fù' makes it easy to recognize.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

夫 (husband/man) 妇 (woman/wife) 对 (pair) 结婚 (marry)

Apprends ensuite

婚姻 (marriage) 家庭 (family) 配偶 (spouse) 恩爱 (affectionate)

Avancé

五伦 (Five Relationships) 举案齐眉 (idiom) 相濡以沫 (idiom)

Grammaire à connaître

Measure words for pairs

一对夫妇 (yī duì fūfù)

Surnames as modifiers

张夫妇 (Zhāng fūfù)

The use of '俩' (liǎ)

夫妇俩 (fūfù liǎ)

Adjective placement

年轻的夫妇 (niánqīng de fūfù)

Subject-Verb-Object

夫妇买了新房。 (Fūfù mǎile xīnfáng.)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

他们是一对夫妇。

They are a couple.

Uses the measure word '对' (duì) for a pair.

王夫妇在家里。

The Wang couple is at home.

Surname + 夫妇 is a formal way to refer to them.

那对夫妇有孩子吗？

Does that couple have children?

'那对' means 'that pair/couple'.

这对夫妇很老。

This couple is very old.

'老' (old) modifies '夫妇'.

他们是好夫妇。

They are a good couple.

Simple adjective-noun structure.

李夫妇喜欢茶。

The Li couple likes tea.

Subject-Verb-Object.

这是一对年轻夫妇。

This is a young couple.

'年轻' (young) modifies the noun.

夫妇在公园。

The couple is in the park.

Basic location sentence.

这对夫妇正在买水果。

This couple is buying fruit.

Present continuous '正在'.

林夫妇打算去中国旅游。

The Lin couple plans to travel to China.

'打算' (plan) followed by a verb phrase.

那对夫妇是我们的邻居。

That couple is our neighbor.

'是...的' structure for identity.

这对夫妇结婚十年了。

This couple has been married for ten years.

Duration of state with '了'.

张夫妇有一只大狗。

The Zhang couple has a big dog.

Standard possession sentence.

这对夫妇每天都跑步。

This couple runs every day.

'每天都' for habitual action.

那对夫妇在看电影。

That couple is watching a movie.

Activity in progress.

这对夫妇穿得很正式。

This couple is dressed very formally.

Verb + 得 + Adjective for description.

这对夫妇共同经营着一家小书店。

This couple runs a small bookstore together.

'共同' (jointly) emphasizes their unity.

为了庆祝生日，夫妇俩去了一家高级餐厅。

To celebrate a birthday, the couple went to a high-end restaurant.

'夫妇俩' is a common way to say 'the two of them as a couple'.

这对夫妇对邻居非常友好。

This couple is very friendly to their neighbors.

'对...非常友好' (friendly towards...).

那对夫妇决定领养一个孩子。

That couple decided to adopt a child.

'决定' (decide) + verb.

这对夫妇在晚宴上显得很恩爱。

This couple appeared very affectionate at the dinner party.

'显得' (appear/seem) + adjective.

陈夫妇的儿子在海外留学。

The Chen couple's son is studying abroad.

Possessive '的' connecting the couple and their son.

这对夫妇经常参加社区志愿者活动。

This couple often participates in community volunteer activities.

'经常' (often) + verb phrase.

那对夫妇正在为新家挑选家具。

That couple is picking out furniture for their new home.

'为...挑选' (selecting for...)

这对夫妇在教育孩子方面有不同的见解。

This couple has different views on educating their children.

'在...方面' (in terms of/regarding).

这对夫妇的创业故事激励了很多人。

This couple's entrepreneurial story has inspired many people.

'激励' (inspire) is a B2 level verb.

尽管生活艰辛，这对夫妇始终相濡以沫。

Despite a hard life, this couple has always supported each other in times of need.

Uses the idiom '相濡以沫' (mutual support).

这对夫妇在遗嘱中将财产捐给了慈善机构。

The couple donated their property to charity in their will.

Formal vocabulary: '遗嘱' (will), '财产' (property).

这对夫妇被邀请参加总统府的招待会。

The couple was invited to attend a reception at the Presidential Palace.

Passive voice '被' and formal '招待会'.

这对夫妇在艺术收藏方面颇有造诣。

This couple is quite accomplished in art collecting.

Formal phrase '颇有造诣' (quite accomplished).

这对夫妇试图通过旅行来修复他们的关系。

The couple is trying to repair their relationship through travel.

'通过...来...' (through... to...)

这对夫妇在处理危机时表现出了惊人的默契。

The couple showed amazing tacit understanding when dealing with the crisis.

'表现出' (show/manifest) and '默契' (tacit understanding).

这对夫妇的结合被视为两个家族利益的联姻。

The union of this couple was seen as a marriage of interest between two families.

'视为' (regarded as) and '联姻' (alliance by marriage).

这对夫妇在二十世纪初的社会变革中扮演了重要角色。

This couple played an important role in the social changes of the early 20th century.

'扮演...角色' (play a role).

这对夫妇的学术论文在国际上引起了广泛关注。

The couple's academic paper has garnered widespread international attention.

Formal '引起...关注' (arouse attention).

这对夫妇以其高尚的品德和博大的胸怀赢得了世人的尊敬。

The couple won the respect of the world with their noble character and broad mind.

High-level literary adjectives like '高尚' and '博大'.

这对夫妇在深山中隐居多年，过着与世无争的生活。

The couple lived in seclusion in the deep mountains for many years, leading a life free from worldly strife.

'隐居' (live in seclusion) and '与世无争' (at peace with the world).

这对夫妇的通信集记录了那个动荡年代的点点滴滴。

The couple's collection of correspondence records the details of that turbulent era.

'通信集' (collected letters) and '动荡' (turbulent).

这对夫妇在晚年依然保持着阅读和讨论的习惯。

The couple still maintained the habit of reading and discussing in their later years.

'晚年' (later years) and '依然' (still).

这对夫妇的离异在当时的社交圈引起了不小的震动。

The couple's divorce caused quite a stir in the social circles of the time.

'离异' (divorce - formal) and '震动' (shock/stir).

这对夫妇在文学创作上的互补性，成就了一段文坛佳话。

The complementarity of this couple in literary creation has created a celebrated tale in the literary world.

'互补性' (complementarity) and '佳话' (celebrated story).

这对夫妇对于传统文化的传承有着一种近乎执着的使命感。

The couple has an almost obsessive sense of mission regarding the inheritance of traditional culture.

'近乎' (almost/bordering on) and '使命感' (sense of mission).

这对夫妇在外交舞台上的长袖善舞，为国家赢得了诸多利益。

The couple's resourcefulness on the diplomatic stage has won many benefits for the country.

Uses the idiom '长袖善舞' (resourceful/socially skilled).

这对夫妇的爱情故事，在作者笔下呈现出一种史诗般的宏大叙事。

The couple's love story presents an epic-like grand narrative under the author's pen.

'宏大叙事' (grand narrative).

这对夫妇在处理复杂的家族矛盾时，展现了极高的政治智慧。

The couple showed extremely high political wisdom when dealing with complex family conflicts.

'政治智慧' (political wisdom) applied to a family context.

这对夫妇对艺术真谛的追求，早已超越了世俗的成败利钝。

The couple's pursuit of the true meaning of art has long surpassed the worldly successes and failures.

'真谛' (true essence) and '成败利钝' (success/failure).

这对夫妇在漫长的岁月中，将彼此的生命深度融合，达到了物我两忘的境界。

Over the long years, the couple deeply integrated their lives, reaching a state of transcending both self and the world.

'物我两忘' (forgetting both self and the external world).

这对夫妇的社会地位，使得他们的每一个举动都备受公众审视。

The social status of the couple makes their every move subject to public scrutiny.

'备受...审视' (subject to scrutiny).

Collocations courantes

一对夫妇

年轻夫妇

老夫妇

王夫妇

恩爱夫妇

平凡夫妇

新婚夫妇

丁克夫妇

贫困夫妇

名流夫妇

Phrases Courantes

夫妇俩

— The two of them (the couple). Used to refer to the pair as a unit.

夫妇俩都在这儿。

夫妇关系

— The marital relationship. Used in formal or psychological contexts.

夫妇关系需要经营。

贫贱夫妇

— A couple who has gone through poverty together. Often used in idioms.

贫贱夫妇百事哀。

老夫老妻

— An old couple (informal). Implies long-term familiarity.

我们都老夫老妻了。

模范夫妇

— A model couple. Used to praise a successful marriage.

他们被评为模范夫妇。

异国夫妇

— An international/intercultural couple.

这对异国夫妇生活很幸福。

患难夫妇

— A couple who has shared hardships.

他们是一对患难夫妇。

中年夫妇

— A middle-aged couple.

一对中年夫妇走进了店里。

新郎新娘

— Bridegroom and bride (specifically on the wedding day).

请新郎新娘入场。

贤夫妇

— Your esteemed wife and self (very formal/archaic).

问候贤夫妇好。

Souvent confondu avec

夫妇 vs 夫妻

夫妻 is more common and less formal. 夫妇 is a title or formal reference.

夫妇 vs 情侣

情侣 is for dating couples; 夫妇 is for married couples only.

夫妇 vs 爱人

爱人 refers to one's own spouse; 夫妇 refers to the couple as a unit.

Expressions idiomatiques

"夫妇齐眉"

— Mutual respect between husband and wife. Similar to '举案齐眉'.

他们夫妇齐眉，令人羡慕。

Literary

"夫唱妇随"

— The husband sings and the wife follows (traditional harmony).

这对夫妇夫唱妇随，非常和谐。

Traditional

"相濡以沫"

— Helping each other in difficult times. Often used for couples.

这对老夫妇相濡以沫几十年。

Formal

"白头偕老"

— To grow old together in marriage.

祝这对夫妇白头偕老。

Polite/Wish

"举案齐眉"

— Mutual respect between spouses.

他们夫妇举案齐眉。

Literary

"琴瑟和谐"

— Marital harmony (like the harmony of two instruments).

祝你们夫妇琴瑟和谐。

Literary

"比翼双飞"

— To fly side by side (a metaphor for a happy couple).

这对夫妇在事业上比翼双飞。

Literary

"破镜重圆"

— A couple reuniting after a separation.

这对夫妇终于破镜重圆了。

Literary

"劳燕分飞"

— A couple separating or going different ways.

没想到这对夫妇最终劳燕分飞。

Literary

"贫贱夫妇百事哀"

— For a couple in poverty, everything is a struggle.

俗话说，贫贱夫妇百事哀。

Common Proverb

Facile à confondre

夫妇 vs 夫妻

They both mean husband and wife.

夫妇 is more formal and often used as a title. 夫妻 is neutral and more common in daily speech.

他们是夫妻。 vs. 欢迎王夫妇。

夫妇 vs 情侣

Both refer to a man and woman together.

情侣 are dating; 夫妇 are married.

那一对情侣还没结婚。

夫妇 vs 配偶

Both relate to marriage.

配偶 is a single person (spouse) in legal terms. 夫妇 is the pair together.

他的配偶是位医生。

夫妇 vs 伴侣

Both mean partners.

伴侣 is more poetic or general (life partner). 夫妇 is formal and specific to marriage.

她是我的灵魂伴侣。

夫妇 vs 两口子

Both mean a couple.

两口子 is very casual/slang. 夫妇 is very formal.

那两口子真逗。

Structures de phrases

这对夫妇 + Verb

这对夫妇在吃饭。

[Surname]夫妇 + Verb

李夫妇在看书。

一对 + Adjective + 夫妇

一对幸福的夫妇。

夫妇俩 + 都 + Verb

夫妇俩都很忙。

作为 + 夫妇

作为夫妇，他们很默契。

夫妇 + 之间 + 的 + 关系

夫妇之间的关系很复杂。

[Surname]氏夫妇

王氏夫妇的慈善事业。

夫妇 + 之 + 道

夫妇之道，在于相互尊重。

Famille de mots

Noms

夫妻 (fūqī)

夫权 (fūquán)

妇道 (fùdào)

Apparenté

丈夫 (zhàngfu)

妻子 (qīzi)

结婚 (jiéhūn)

婚姻 (hūnyīn)

配偶 (pèi'ǒu)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in formal writing, news, and polite introductions.

Erreurs courantes

Using 夫妇 for dating couples. → Use 情侣 (qínglǚ).
夫妇 implies legal marriage. Using it for dating couples is inaccurate.
Saying 两个夫妇. → Say 一对夫妇.
夫妇 is a collective noun for a pair. Using 'two' implies two separate couples.
Saying 夫妇王. → Say 王夫妇.
In Chinese, the surname always precedes the title or collective noun.
Using 夫妇 in a very casual text message to a friend. → Use 夫妻 or 两口子.
It sounds too robotic and formal for casual digital communication.
Pronouncing it as fū fū. → Pronounce it as fū fù.
The second character '妇' must be in the fourth tone.

Astuces

Stay Formal

Only use 夫妇 in formal writing or when you want to show high respect to a couple.

Measure Word

Always use '对' (duì) with 夫妇. Never use '个'.

Addressing Others

When writing a formal letter to a couple, use '[Surname]夫妇'.

Synonym Choice

Choose 夫妻 for general stories and 夫妇 for news or formal reports.

Face Culture

Using 夫妇 gives 'face' (respect) to the people you are talking about.

Invitations

Wedding invitations almost always use 夫妇 to address guests.

News Keywords

When you hear '夫妇' on the news, it usually refers to public figures or celebrities.

Vs. 情侣

Double-check if a couple is married before using 夫妇; otherwise, use 情侣.

Tone Check

Make sure to pronounce both characters with the 4th tone (fù).

Idiom Usage

Learn '相濡以沫' to describe a 夫妇 who has been through a lot together.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Full' and 'Full' - a 'Full' house needs both a husband and a wife. Or, remember that 'Fu' sounds like 'Food' - a couple eats together.

Association visuelle

Imagine two people standing together under a roof, one with a tool of work (夫) and one with a tool of the home (妇).

Word Web

婚姻 (Marriage) 家庭 (Family) 爱 (Love) 对 (Pair) 正式 (Formal) 尊重 (Respect) 社会 (Society) 法律 (Law)

Défi

Try to find a news article in Chinese and see how many times '夫妇' is used compared to '夫妻'.

Origine du mot

The word is a combination of '夫' (man/husband) and '妇' (woman/wife). These characters date back to oracle bone script.

Sens originel : A man and a woman in a marital relationship.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use '夫妇' for same-sex couples in very traditional or conservative settings in China, although linguistically the term is evolving. In legal contexts, '配偶' is safer.

In English, 'Mr. and Mrs.' is the closest equivalent when used as a title. However, '夫妇' is used more broadly in news and formal descriptions than 'husband and wife' is in English.

The famous 'Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai' (Butterfly Lovers) are often discussed in the context of their tragic inability to become a '夫妇'. Historical figures like 'Qian Zhongshu and Yang Jiang' are often cited as a model '夫妇' in literary circles.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

News Reports

总统夫妇 (The President and wife)
这对夫妇表示 (The couple stated)
名流夫妇 (Celebrity couple)

Formal Invitations

邀请...夫妇 (Invite the... couple)
[Surname]夫妇 (Mr. and Mrs. [Surname])

Legal/Real Estate

夫妇共有财产 (Jointly owned property)
夫妇双方 (Both parties of the couple)

Social Introductions

介绍这对夫妇 (Introduce this couple)
欢迎...夫妇 (Welcome the... couple)

Literature

一对老夫妇 (An old couple)
贫贱夫妇 (A couple in hardship)

Amorces de conversation

"你认识那对经常在公园跑步的夫妇吗？"

"王夫妇是不是刚从国外回来？"

"你觉得这对新婚夫妇看起来幸福吗？"

"那对老夫妇相处得真好，对吧？"

"你想邀请哪几对夫妇来参加你的生日派对？"

Sujets d'écriture

描述你认识的一对非常恩爱的夫妇。

如果你结婚了，你希望别人怎么称呼你们夫妇？

在你的文化中，正式称呼一对夫妇的方式是什么？

谈谈你对‘贫贱夫妇百事哀’这句话的看法。

写一段关于一对老夫妇在海边散步的描写。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very stiff. It's better to say '我们夫妻' (Wǒmen fūqī) or '我们两口子' (Wǒmen liǎngkǒuzi) in casual settings.

No, it can be used for any married couple, but '一对老夫妇' is a very common phrase.

The measure word is '对' (duì), meaning 'pair'.

Yes, 夫妇 is preferred in news, formal invitations, and academic writing. 夫妻 is used in more general or emotional contexts.

In modern, inclusive contexts, some people do, but traditionally it implies a male (夫) and female (妇). '伴侣' or '配偶' is more common for same-sex couples in formal Chinese.

You would say '史密斯夫妇' (Shǐmìsī fūfù).

It means 'the couple' or 'the two of them (as a couple)'.

Yes, it is used throughout the Chinese-speaking world in formal contexts.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must say 一对夫妇.

Yes, it is a very polite and respectful way to refer to a married couple.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes