Understanding 配偶
The term 配偶 specifically refers to a spouse, encompassing both legal and common-law partners. It is a formal word often used in legal, official, or formal contexts rather than casual conversation.
Usage and Context
配 (pèi) means 'to match' or 'to pair,' and 偶 (ǒu) originally means 'accidental' or 'by chance,' but together they form a compound meaning 'spouse'—someone paired with you in marriage or partnership.
Common Collocations
- 配偶关系 (pèi ǒu guān xì): marital relationship
- 配偶权利 (pèi ǒu quán lì): spousal rights
- 配偶姓名 (pèi ǒu xìng míng): spouse's name
These collocations are frequently seen in legal documents, forms, and formal discussions about family or marital status.
Register and Tone
配偶 is formal and neutral in tone. In everyday speech, people more often use terms like 老公 (husband), 老婆 (wife), or 先生/太太 (Mr./Mrs.) depending on context. Using 配偶 signals a more official or serious context.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 配偶 with 伴侣 (bàn lǚ), which can mean partner but is broader and can include non-married partners. 配偶 specifically implies a marital or legally recognized spouse.