伉俪
How to Understand
伉俪 refers to a married couple, typically used in a formal or literary context. It emphasizes the bond between two people who are legally or socially united in marriage, often implying a sense of partnership and mutual respect.
The character 伉 (kàng) originally meant 'equal' or 'matching,' while 俪 (lì) means 'pair' or 'partner.' Together, they create a term that conveys harmony and balance in a marital relationship, suggesting a deep connection beyond mere companionship.
While commonly used in writing or formal speech, 伉俪 is less frequent in casual conversation. It appears frequently in literature, poetry, and official documents to describe couples with dignity and reverence. In modern usage, it can also be found in wedding invitations or anniversary greetings.