订婚

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 订婚 (dìnghūn) specifically refers to the act of getting engaged, that is, formally agreeing to marry someone. It is a significant step before marriage and often involves a ceremony or announcement.

Common Contexts

订婚 is used to describe the engagement period or event. It is often contrasted with 结婚 (jiéhūn), which means to get married. For example, you might say “订婚” to announce that a couple has become engaged.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 订婚仪式: engagement ceremony, usually simpler than a wedding ceremony.
  • 订婚戒指: engagement ring, a common symbol of engagement.
  • 订婚: got engaged, a common phrase to announce the engagement.

Usage Notes

When using 订婚, it implies a formal agreement or promise to marry, often involving families. It is more formal than just dating or being in a relationship. Avoid confusing 订婚 with 结婚, which means the actual marriage.

Common Confusion

Some learners confuse 订婚 with 结婚. Remember, 订婚 is the promise or agreement to marry, while 结婚 is the actual marriage ceremony and legal union.

Example Sentences

They got engaged last month and are preparing to get married next year.

Engagement ceremonies are usually simpler than wedding ceremonies.

After they got engaged, the parents of both sides met.