嫁妆 30 सेकंड में
- 嫁妆 means dowry or trousseau, the gifts a bride brings to her marriage from her family.
- It is a key part of Chinese wedding traditions, symbolizing family status and parental support.
- Commonly includes household items, jewelry, money, and in modern times, cars or property.
- It is strictly from the bride's side, distinct from the groom's 'bride price' (彩礼).
The term 嫁妆 (jiàzhuāng) refers to the dowry or trousseau provided by a bride's family to her and her new household upon marriage. In Chinese culture, this is not merely a collection of items but a profound symbol of the bride's social standing, her family's wealth, and the support she carries into her new life. Historically, a substantial 嫁妆 was seen as a woman's personal property within her husband's home, offering her a degree of financial security and independence. In modern contexts, while the tradition has evolved, the concept remains a significant part of wedding discussions, often involving high-value items like cars, real estate, or significant financial investments.
- Etymology
- The character 嫁 (jià) specifically means a woman getting married or being married off, combining the radical for woman (女) with 'home' (家). The character 妆 (zhuāng) refers to adornment, clothing, or makeup. Together, they represent the 'adornments' a woman takes to her new home.
为了让女儿在婆家有地位，父母准备了丰厚的嫁妆。(To ensure their daughter had status in her in-laws' home, the parents prepared a generous dowry.)
In ancient China, the 嫁妆 was part of the 'Six Rites' (三书六礼). It stood in contrast to the 彩礼 (cǎilǐ) or bride price, which was paid by the groom's family. A common historical phrase is 十里红妆 (shí lǐ hóng zhuāng), which describes a dowry so large that the procession of red-wrapped gifts stretched for ten li (about 5 kilometers). This signifies extreme wealth and the family's desire to protect their daughter's reputation. Today, even in urban settings, parents might refer to a down payment on an apartment as part of the 嫁妆, reflecting the shifting economic landscape while maintaining the traditional duty of parental support.
Culturally, the 嫁妆 is often discussed in literature and period dramas (古装剧). It serves as a plot device to highlight class differences or family conflicts. For example, a 'meager dowry' (薄奁) might lead to a bride being mistreated by her mother-in-law, while a 'lavish dowry' might be a source of envy. In modern legal terms, disputes over 嫁妆 often arise during divorce proceedings, where the law must determine if the dowry was a gift to the couple or the wife's personal asset. Understanding this word requires looking beyond the dictionary definition into the deep-seated values of filial piety, family honor, and economic alliance that define Chinese matrimonial traditions.
Using 嫁妆 correctly involves understanding its noun status and the verbs that typically accompany it. Most commonly, you will see it paired with verbs like 准备 (zhǔnbèi - prepare), 置办 (zhìbàn - purchase/set up), or 陪送 (péisòng - accompany with/give as dowry). Because it represents a collection of goods, it is often modified by adjectives describing its scale or value.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. 准备嫁妆: To prepare the dowry.
2. 带嫁妆: To bring a dowry (into the marriage).
3. 变卖嫁妆: To sell off one's dowry (usually in times of financial distress).
在一些传统家庭，母亲会提前好几年就开始为女儿缝制嫁妆。(In some traditional families, mothers start sewing the dowry for their daughters several years in advance.)
When describing the quality of a dowry, Chinese speakers use specific set phrases. 丰厚的嫁妆 (fēnghòu de jiàzhuāng) means a rich or generous dowry, while 简单的嫁妆 (jiǎndān de jiàzhuāng) refers to a modest one. In a metaphorical sense, 嫁妆 can sometimes refer to the 'assets' or 'skills' one brings to a new venture, though this is less common than the literal matrimonial meaning. In legal and formal writing, you might encounter the term 陪嫁物 (péijiàwù), which is a more technical way to refer to the items within a dowry.
Sentence structures often follow the pattern: [Family/Subject] + [Verb] + [Adjective] + 嫁妆. For example: '她家给她置办了一套红木家具作为嫁妆' (Her family bought a set of mahogany furniture for her as a dowry). It can also appear as the subject: '这些嫁妆是她外祖母传下来的' (This dowry was passed down from her maternal grandmother). Understanding the nuances of these patterns helps in expressing the cultural weight behind the word, moving from simple translation to authentic usage in social and historical discussions.
While you might think 嫁妆 is an archaic term, it is surprisingly prevalent in modern Chinese life, though the context has shifted. You will hear it most frequently in three main arenas: family discussions regarding marriage, historical television dramas, and legal or sociological debates about gender and property rights.
- Modern Contexts
- In contemporary China, especially in rural or traditional urban families, parents often discuss 嫁妆 when planning a wedding. Instead of silk and embroidery, they might talk about '三大件' (the three big items), which in the 21st century often means a car, home appliances, or a bank account in the bride's name.
现在的嫁妆往往包括汽车或者房产的份额。(Modern dowries often include a car or a share of real estate.)
If you watch 'Guzhuang' (period) dramas like The Story of Minglan or Empresses in the Palace, 嫁妆 is a central theme. Characters fight over dowries, or use them as a measure of a woman's power within the household. Hearing a character say '那是我的嫁妆!' (That is my dowry!) usually implies a defense of her last line of personal security and dignity. In these shows, the dowry is often stored in '奁' (lián), a traditional bridal chest, which is a word closely related to 嫁妆.
Sociologically, the word appears in discussions about the 'Bride Price vs. Dowry' debate. As China's gender ratio and economic conditions change, the expectations for 嫁妆 also fluctuate. In some regions, a large dowry is expected to match a large bride price, creating a cycle of financial pressure. By listening for this word in talk shows or social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin, you can gain insights into current Chinese attitudes toward marriage, money, and family obligations. It is a word that bridges the gap between ancient ritual and modern consumerism.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 嫁妆 (jiàzhuāng) is confusing it with 彩礼 (cǎilǐ). While both are related to wedding gifts, they represent opposite directions of wealth flow. 嫁妆 is what the bride's family gives, while 彩礼 (bride price) is what the groom's family gives. Using one for the other can lead to significant misunderstandings during conversations about cultural traditions.
- 嫁妆 vs. 彩礼
- 嫁妆 (Jiàzhuāng): Bride's side → Groom's side/New home.
彩礼 (Cǎilǐ): Groom's side → Bride's side/Parents.
错误：新郎给了新娘很多嫁妆。(Wrong: The groom gave the bride a lot of dowry.)
正确：新郎给了新娘很多彩礼。(Correct: The groom gave the bride a lot of bride price.)
Another common error is the pronunciation and writing of the character 妆 (zhuāng). Students often confuse it with 装 (zhuāng), which also means clothes or to pack. While 嫁装 is occasionally seen as a typo in informal text, 嫁妆 is the correct orthography for the concept of a dowry. The character 妆 specifically relates to feminine adornment and makeup, which fits the context of a bride's personal items.
Finally, learners sometimes use 嫁妆 too broadly to describe any gifts a woman receives. It is strictly a matrimonial term. You wouldn't use it for a birthday gift or a graduation present. It carries the weight of a 'start-up fund' for a new life. Furthermore, ensure you don't use the verb 娶 (qǔ - to take a wife) with 嫁妆. The verb 嫁 (jià - to marry off a daughter) is the root, so the context must always center on the bride's transition from her natal home to her marital home.
Understanding 嫁妆 involves knowing its synonyms and related terms, which vary based on formality and regional usage. While 嫁妆 is the standard modern term, several others exist in literature and specific dialects.
- Comparisons
- 陪嫁 (Péijià)
- Often used as a verb meaning 'to give as a dowry' or as a noun referring to the items themselves. It literally means 'accompanying the marriage.' It is more flexible than 嫁妆 and can refer to servants who accompanied a bride in ancient times (陪嫁丫鬟).
- 妆奁 (Zhuānglián)
- A more literary or archaic term. 'Lián' refers to a small box for mirrors and cosmetics. In literature, it often represents the bride's personal vanity or her most intimate dowry items.
- 行头 (Xíngtóu)
- Informally, this can refer to an outfit or gear. In some regional contexts, it might be used to describe the clothes and jewelry in a dowry, but it is much broader and less formal than 嫁妆.
虽然她的妆奁并不奢华，但每一件都充满了母亲的心意。(Although her dowry chest was not luxurious, every item was filled with her mother's love.)
When choosing between these words, use 嫁妆 for most general and formal conversations. Use 陪嫁 when focusing on the act of providing the gifts or when referring to modern items like '陪嫁车' (dowry car). Use 妆奁 if you are writing a historical novel or a poem. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise expression and a deeper appreciation of Chinese linguistic richness regarding family traditions.
How Formal Is It?
रोचक तथ्य
In ancient times, a woman's dowry often included her own coffin, symbolizing that she would stay with her husband's family until death.
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- Pronouncing 'jià' as 'jiā' (1st tone), which would change the meaning to 'family'.
- Pronouncing 'zhuāng' as 'zhuàng' (4th tone), which means 'strong' or 'state'.
- Confusing 'zhuāng' with 'zhāng' (dropping the 'u').
- Mixing up the tones entirely, making it sound like 'adding makeup' (加妆).
- Using a 'z' sound instead of the retroflex 'zh' for 'zhuāng'.
कठिनाई स्तर
Characters are moderately complex but common in cultural texts.
The character '妆' and '嫁' have many strokes and require practice.
Pronunciation is straightforward once tones are mastered.
Easily recognized in wedding contexts.
आगे क्या सीखें
पूर्वापेक्षाएँ
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Using 作为 (zuòwéi) to express 'as'
这辆车作为她的嫁妆。
Measure words for sets (套 tào, 份 fèn)
一套精美的嫁妆。
The 'Ba' sentence for moving items
把嫁妆抬进屋里。
Relative clauses with 的
父母准备的嫁妆。
Resultative complements (凑齐 còuqi)
终于凑齐了嫁妆。
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
这是她的嫁妆。
This is her dowry.
Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.
嫁妆里有一条项链。
There is a necklace in the dowry.
Using '里' (inside) to show contents.
妈妈准备了嫁妆。
Mom prepared the dowry.
Subject + Verb + Object.
她的嫁妆很多。
She has a lot of dowry.
Using '多' as a predicate adjective.
我不想要嫁妆。
I don't want a dowry.
Negative '不' before the verb.
嫁妆是红色的。
The dowry is red.
Color + 的 as an adjective.
这是谁的嫁妆？
Whose dowry is this?
Interrogative '谁的'.
她带了嫁妆去新家。
She brought her dowry to her new home.
Verb '带' (bring).
父母为女儿买了新车作为嫁妆。
The parents bought a new car for their daughter as a dowry.
Using '作为' (as/to serve as).
在古代，嫁妆通常是衣服和被子。
In ancient times, dowries were usually clothes and quilts.
Using '通常是' (usually is).
她把嫁妆放进了大箱子里。
She put the dowry into a big chest.
Ba-sentence structure.
这些钱是她的嫁妆吗？
Is this money her dowry?
Question with '吗'.
她的嫁妆里有很多漂亮的珠宝。
There are many beautiful jewels in her dowry.
Existential sentence with '里有'.
为了准备嫁妆，他们花了很多钱。
In order to prepare the dowry, they spent a lot of money.
Using '为了' to show purpose.
她很喜欢父母送的嫁妆。
She likes the dowry sent by her parents very much.
Relative clause with '的'.
嫁妆已经送到男方家里了。
The dowry has already been sent to the man's house.
Passive meaning with '送到'.
虽然时代变了，但嫁妆的习俗依然存在。
Although times have changed, the custom of dowry still exists.
Conjunction '虽然...但是'.
新娘带去的嫁妆体现了她家的社会地位。
The dowry brought by the bride reflects her family's social status.
Verb '体现' (reflect/embody).
她决定用自己的积蓄来置办嫁妆。
She decided to use her own savings to set up the dowry.
Using '用...来' (use... to).
在农村，嫁妆的厚薄常被邻居们议论。
In rural areas, the size of the dowry is often discussed by neighbors.
Noun '厚薄' (thickness/scale).
她母亲亲手缝制的旗袍是嫁妆中最珍贵的部分。
The qipao hand-sewn by her mother is the most precious part of the dowry.
Superlative '最...的部分'.
他们家因为准备嫁妆而欠了一些债。
Their family went into debt because of preparing the dowry.
Using '因为...而' (because of... so).
这份嫁妆包含了父母对女儿未来的祝福。
This dowry contains the parents' blessings for their daughter's future.
Verb '包含' (contain/include).
如果嫁妆不够丰厚，她担心会被婆家看不起。
If the dowry is not generous enough, she worries she will be looked down upon by her in-laws.
Passive '被' structure.
现代女性更倾向于将房产或股票作为嫁妆。
Modern women are more inclined to use real estate or stocks as a dowry.
Using '倾向于' (be inclined to).
嫁妆的多寡不应成为衡量婚姻幸福的标准。
The amount of dowry should not be a standard for measuring marital happiness.
Noun '多寡' (amount/quantity).
在某些地区，高额的嫁妆给普通家庭带来了沉重的负担。
In some areas, high dowries have brought a heavy burden to ordinary families.
Verb '带来' + '负担'.
由于法律的完善，嫁妆在离婚时的归属问题有了明确规定。
Due to the improvement of laws, the ownership of dowry during divorce has clear regulations.
Using '由于' (due to).
她并不在意嫁妆的形式，更看重双方的感情。
She doesn't care about the form of the dowry; she values the feelings of both parties more.
Contrast '并不在意...更看重'.
这套红木家具是她祖母当年的嫁妆，极具收藏价值。
This set of mahogany furniture was her grandmother's dowry back then and has great collection value.
Adverb '极具' (extremely possess).
一些年轻人开始抵制这种陈旧的嫁妆观念。
Some young people are starting to boycott this outdated concept of dowry.
Verb '抵制' (boycott/resist).
为了给女儿凑齐嫁妆，他不得不去城里打工。
To scrape together the dowry for his daughter, he had to go to the city to work.
Verb '凑齐' (collect/gather together).
《红楼梦》中详细描述了大家族置办嫁妆的奢华场面。
'Dream of the Red Chamber' describes in detail the luxurious scenes of large families preparing dowries.
Verb '描述' (describe).
嫁妆在古代社会不仅是经济补偿，更是女性人格的延伸。
In ancient society, the dowry was not only economic compensation but also an extension of a woman's personality.
Structure '不仅是...更是'.
这种‘十里红妆’的盛况在今天已难得一见。
This grand occasion of 'ten miles of red dowry' is rare to see today.
Idiom '难得一见' (rarely seen).
研究嫁妆的变化可以揭示中国社会结构的变迁。
Studying the changes in dowry can reveal the transitions in Chinese social structure.
Verb '揭示' (reveal).
文学作品常以嫁妆作为切入点，探讨婆媳关系的微妙平衡。
Literary works often use the dowry as an entry point to explore the delicate balance of the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship.
Using '以...作为切入点'.
尽管受西方思想影响，传统嫁妆观念在潜意识中依然根深蒂固。
Despite Western influence, traditional concepts of dowry remain deeply rooted in the subconscious.
Idiom '根深蒂固' (deep-rooted).
她将那些古董嫁妆捐赠给了博物馆，以期文化传承。
She donated those antique dowry items to the museum in hopes of cultural inheritance.
Using '以期' (in hopes of).
嫁妆的流向在很大程度上受家族继承制度的制约。
The flow of dowry is largely restricted by the family inheritance system.
Verb '制约' (restrict/constrain).
从社会学角度看，嫁妆体系的维系与家长制的权威息息相关。
From a sociological perspective, the maintenance of the dowry system is closely related to patriarchal authority.
Idiom '息息相关' (closely linked).
当代法律对‘嫁妆’与‘婚内财产’的界定仍存在诸多争议点。
Contemporary law still has many points of contention regarding the definition of 'dowry' and 'marital property'.
Noun '界定' (definition/delimitation).
在资本逻辑的渗透下，传统的嫁妆已异化为一种炫耀性消费。
Under the infiltration of capital logic, traditional dowry has alienated into a form of conspicuous consumption.
Verb '异化' (alienate/transform into something else).
其嫁妆之丰，甚至足以左右当地的丝绸市场价格。
The abundance of her dowry was even enough to influence the local silk market prices.
Using '之' as a possessive/modifier in formal style.
探讨嫁妆习俗的式微，必须考量女性受教育程度的提升。
To discuss the decline of dowry customs, one must consider the rise in women's education levels.
Noun '式微' (decline/waning).
这种将嫁妆视作‘买命钱’的极端观念，折射出古代女性地位的卑微。
This extreme concept of viewing the dowry as 'life-buying money' reflects the humble status of ancient women.
Verb '折射' (reflect/refract).
通过对历代妆奁志的考证，我们可以窥见古代手工艺的巅峰。
Through textual research on historical dowry records, we can catch a glimpse of the peak of ancient craftsmanship.
Verb '窥见' (glimpse).
嫁妆与彩礼的博弈，本质上是两个家族之间资源的重新分配。
The game between dowry and bride price is essentially a redistribution of resources between two families.
Noun '博弈' (game/contest).
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
— A dowry so large the procession stretches for ten li. It signifies extreme wealth.
当年的十里红妆至今仍是当地的美谈。
— A maidservant who accompanies the bride to her new home as part of the dowry.
古代大户人家的女儿出嫁都有陪嫁丫鬟。
— Items kept at the bottom of the dowry chest, usually very precious or secret.
这是我母亲给我的压箱底嫁妆。
— A complete set of dowry items.
清单上写着妆奁一式，样样俱全。
— To spend all family savings to prepare a dowry.
他为了虚荣，甚至倾家荡产备嫁妆。
— A detailed list of dowry items.
双方家长正在核对嫁妆清单。
— A rich dowry (using the synonym 陪嫁).
她那份丰厚陪嫁让很多人羡慕。
— A dowry that ensures no future worries.
父母希望这份嫁妆能让她生活无忧。
— Traditional dowry items like quilts and basins.
传统嫁妆中少不了红色的脸盆。
— Modern dowry like cars and electronics.
现代嫁妆越来越实用化了。
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
— To empty one's dowry chest to help others. Shows great sacrifice.
为了丈夫的事业，她倾奁以助。
Literary— Literally red clothing and white wrapping, often used to describe snowy scenery, but roots are in bridal attire.
大雪过后的北京，红妆素裹。
Literary— Extraordinarily beautiful, often used for women in their bridal 'makeup' (妆).
穿上嫁衣的她分外妖娆。
Literary— Men marrying and women being married off. A general term for marriage.
男婚女嫁是人生大事。
Common— Families of equal social status. Often discussed in terms of matching dowry and bride price.
他们两家门当户对，嫁妆和彩礼都很体面。
Common— The great matter of one's life (marriage), where the dowry is a key element.
为了女儿的终身大事，他操碎了心。
Common— To give and receive privately/secretly. Sometimes used if a dowry is given without public knowledge.
古代不许男女私相授受嫁妆。
Formal— To be married properly with a matchmaker and formal rites, including a dowry.
她是明媒正娶进门的，嫁妆自然不少。
Common— Adorned with jewels and pearls, often describing a bride's dowry jewelry.
新娘全身珠光宝气，全是昂贵的嫁妆。
Common— Hall filled with gold and jade. Often used as a blessing for a couple with a rich dowry.
祝你们金玉满堂，生活美满。
Formalशब्द परिवार
संज्ञा
क्रिया
विशेषण
संबंधित
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of 'Jià' as 'Joining' a new '家' (home), and 'Zhuāng' as the 'Stuff' or 'Trunk' she brings.
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a long line of red boxes (red = wedding) being carried down a street. This is the 嫁妆.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Try to describe five things you would include in a modern '嫁妆' using Chinese adjectives.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
The word 嫁妆 appears in classical Chinese texts as early as the Zhou Dynasty. It reflects the patrilocal marriage system where a woman left her family to join her husband's.
मूल अर्थ: Originally, it referred to the clothing and personal cosmetics a woman took with her to maintain her appearance in her new home.
Sino-Tibetan -> Sinitic -> Chinese.सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Be careful when discussing dowries in modern China, as high costs are a sensitive social issue linked to declining marriage rates.
In Western cultures, the concept of a dowry has largely faded, replaced by wedding registries where guests buy gifts. In China, the parents remain the primary providers.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Wedding Planning
- 商定嫁妆
- 置办嫁妆
- 嫁妆清单
- 送嫁妆
Historical Drama
- 十里红妆
- 陪嫁丫鬟
- 变卖嫁妆
- 妆奁
Legal/Divorce
- 嫁妆归属
- 个人财产
- 婚前赠予
- 争议
Family Gossip
- 嫁妆丰厚
- 没带嫁妆
- 婆家嫌弃
- 面子
Literature
- 薄奁
- 压箱底
- 慈母心意
- 传承
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"你听说过中国传统的‘十里红妆’吗？"
"在你看来，现代婚礼中嫁妆还重要吗？"
"如果你的朋友结婚，你觉得什么东西最适合做嫁妆？"
"你觉得嫁妆和彩礼哪个更让家庭有压力？"
"在你的国家，新娘结婚时会带什么去新家？"
डायरी विषय
写一段话，描述你理想中的婚礼嫁妆，以及为什么选择这些东西。
探讨现代社会中，嫁妆从实物转变为资产（如房产）的利与弊。
如果你穿越回古代，你会为自己准备什么样的嫁妆来确保生活？
评论一下‘嫁妆是女性在婆家的底气’这一传统观点。
记叙一次你参加过的中国婚礼，观察其中关于嫁妆的细节。
Summary
嫁妆 (jiàzhuāng) is the bride's dowry. Remember that in China, it serves as a woman's financial safety net and a display of her natal family's wealth. Example: '她带着丰厚的嫁妆出嫁了' (She married with a generous dowry).
- 嫁妆 means dowry or trousseau, the gifts a bride brings to her marriage from her family.
- It is a key part of Chinese wedding traditions, symbolizing family status and parental support.
- Commonly includes household items, jewelry, money, and in modern times, cars or property.
- It is strictly from the bride's side, distinct from the groom's 'bride price' (彩礼).
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
daily_life के और शब्द
朝九晚五
B2नौ से पांच तक; नियमित कार्य समय।
未免
B2कुछ ज़्यादा ही; वास्तव में (अत्यधिक होने का संकेत)। 'यह कीमत कुछ ज़्यादा ही है।'
废弃
B2किसी चीज़ का उपयोग बंद कर देना क्योंकि वह पुरानी या बेकार हो गई है (जैसे फैक्ट्री या कानून)।
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2आज मौसम बहुत असामान्य है। (सामान्य पैटर्न से विचलन।)
充裕
B2प्रचुर; पर्याप्त। अक्सर समय या धन के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।
充沛
B2प्रचुर; ऊर्जा से भरपूर। उदाहरण: 'वह ऊर्जा से भरपूर है (精力充沛)'।
门禁卡
B2इमारतों में इलेक्ट्रॉनिक दरवाजे खोलने के लिए उपयोग किया जाने वाला एक्सेस कार्ड।
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
