你结婚了吗？
zh phrase 02673
Are you married?
Literally: You marry (finish/past tense) question particle?
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask if someone is married.
- Common in small talk and social introductions.
- Culturally acceptable even with new acquaintances.
Meaning
This is the most direct way to ask someone if they are married. It is a common question in China, often used to get to know someone's life status.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting a new neighbor
你好，请问你结婚了吗？
Hello, may I ask, are you married?
Chatting with a taxi driver
师傅，你结婚了吗？
Master (driver), are you married?
A formal dinner party
张先生，请问您结婚了吗？
Mr. Zhang, may I ask if you are married?
Cultural Background
In China, asking about marital status is a sign of friendliness and social interest rather than prying. It stems from a collectivist culture where family status defines one's social identity. It is especially common during Chinese New Year when relatives gather.
The 'Auntie' Factor
If an older person asks you this, they aren't being nosy; they are showing they care about your future happiness.
The Follow-up
If you say yes, expect the next question to be `你有孩子吗？` (Do you have kids?). It's a package deal!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask if someone is married.
- Common in small talk and social introductions.
- Culturally acceptable even with new acquaintances.
What It Means
你结婚了吗？ is the standard way to ask about marital status. The word 结婚 means to marry. The 了 indicates a completed action or change of state. The 吗 at the end turns the statement into a question. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
Use this phrase when you want to learn about someone’s personal life. You can say it to a new friend or a colleague. It is not considered rude in China to ask this early on. Just say the words clearly with a rising tone at the end. If they say 结了, they are married. If they say 还没, they aren't married yet.
When To Use It
Use it during small talk with people you've just met. It works well at a dinner party or a wedding. Older people might ask you this within five minutes of meeting. It is a way of showing interest in your well-being. Think of it as a 'getting to know you' staple.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid asking this in a high-pressure professional interview. Don't ask it if someone looks visibly upset about their relationship. In very Westernized circles in big cities, some might find it a bit nosy. Use your intuition if the person seems very private. Otherwise, it is generally safe ground in China.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, marriage is often seen as a family milestone. People ask this because they care about your social stability. It isn't just about romance; it's about your place in the community. Be prepared for follow-up questions about kids if you say yes! If you say no, be prepared for 'Why not?' from aunties.
Common Variations
你成家了吗？(Have you started a family?) is more formal.你有对象吗？(Do you have a partner?) is for younger, unmarried people.你还是单身吗？(Are you still single?) is more direct and casual.你领证了吗？(Did you get the certificate?) is a modern way to ask if it's official.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for most social interactions. In big cities like Shanghai or Beijing, younger generations are becoming more private, so use it after a bit of initial small talk.
The 'Auntie' Factor
If an older person asks you this, they aren't being nosy; they are showing they care about your future happiness.
The Follow-up
If you say yes, expect the next question to be `你有孩子吗？` (Do you have kids?). It's a package deal!
The Polite 'No'
If you aren't married but have a partner, say `还没，但是我有女朋友/男朋友` to avoid being set up on a blind date!
Examples
6你好，请问你结婚了吗？
Hello, may I ask, are you married?
Adding '请问' makes it more polite for neighbors.
师傅，你结婚了吗？
Master (driver), are you married?
Common small talk during a long ride.
张先生，请问您结婚了吗？
Mr. Zhang, may I ask if you are married?
Using '您' (formal you) for a senior person.
你到底结婚了吗？保密工作做得真好！
Are you married after all? You're so good at keeping secrets!
Used jokingly when a friend is mysterious.
这么多年没见，你结婚了吗？
Haven't seen you in years, are you married?
A natural way to catch up on life updates.
你们都结婚了吗？只有我单身？
Are you all married? Am I the only one single?
Informal and slightly self-deprecating.
Test Yourself
Complete the question to ask someone if they are married.
你___了吗？
`结婚` (jiéhūn) is the specific verb for getting married.
Choose the correct particle to turn the statement into a question.
你结婚了___？
`吗` is the standard yes/no question particle in Chinese.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Social Appropriateness Scale
Very natural, part of deep catching up.
你结婚了吗？
Standard small talk in China.
请问你结婚了吗？
A bit personal, but often happens over lunch.
你结婚了吗？
Technically legal but becoming less common.
你结婚了吗？
Where to ask '你结婚了吗？'
Spring Festival Dinner
Relatives asking you.
First Date
Checking compatibility.
Neighborhood Chat
Aunties being curious.
Wedding Party
Talking to other guests.
Practice Bank
2 exercises你___了吗？
`结婚` (jiéhūn) is the specific verb for getting married.
你结婚了___？
`吗` is the standard yes/no question particle in Chinese.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIn China, it is generally not considered rude. It is seen as a standard 'getting to know you' question like asking about your job.
You can simply say 我结婚了 (Wǒ jiéhūn le).
You can say 我离过婚 (Wǒ líguò hūn), but in casual small talk, many people just say 我单身 (I am single) to keep it simple.
It is neutral. You can use it with almost anyone, though adding 请问 (May I ask) at the start makes it more polite.
Yes, 你结婚了吗？ is gender-neutral and works for everyone.
It indicates a change of state, implying the transition from being single to being married.
You can use 您成家了吗？ (Nín chéngjiā le ma?), which literally means 'Have you established a home?'
Family is the core of Chinese society. Knowing your marital status helps people understand your life stage and responsibilities.
There isn't really a 'slang' version, but young people might ask 你脱单了吗？ (Have you escaped singleness?).
You can say 我订婚了 (Wǒ dìnghūn le).
Yes, it is common for students to ask teachers about their families in a friendly way.
You can smile and say 这是秘密 (Zhè shì mìmì - It's a secret) to keep it lighthearted.
Related Phrases
你有男朋友吗？ (Do you have a boyfriend?)
你有孩子吗？ (Do you have children?)
你单身吗？ (Are you single?)
我订婚了。 (I am engaged.)
我还没结婚。 (I'm not married yet.)
