Meaning and Usage
The word 离婚 (lí hūn) specifically refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage. It is a formal term used in both spoken and written Chinese when discussing the end of a marital relationship.
Common Contexts
离婚 is often used in contexts involving legal procedures, personal relationships, and social discussions about marriage. It can appear in news reports, legal documents, and everyday conversations about family matters.
Collocations and Patterns
- 离婚手续 (líhūn shǒuxù): divorce procedures, emphasizing the legal process.
- 离婚率 (líhūn lǜ): divorce rate, used in statistics or social studies.
- 离婚协议 (líhūn xiéyì): divorce agreement, referring to the terms agreed upon by both parties.
Usage Notes
When using 离婚, speakers imply a formal and often serious decision to end a marriage. It is not used for casual breakups or separations outside of marriage. Avoid confusing 离婚 with 分手 (fēnshǒu), which means to break up but is used for non-married couples.
Tone and Register
离婚 is neutral and formal, suitable for news, legal contexts, and polite conversation. It is not slang or informal.
Understanding 离婚 helps learners discuss family and social issues accurately and sensitively.