Hey there, fellow globetrotters! As we all know, life as an international student is filled with unique experiences and challenges. Today, I want to share something special with you – a collection of Chinese idioms (成语, chéngyǔ) that are often used in wedding blessings. These idioms not only reflect the rich cultural heritage of China but also serve as a wonderful way to express your best wishes for newlyweds. So, whether you're attending a wedding back home or participating in one here in your host country, these phrases will help you add a touch of elegance and tradition to your congratulations. Let’s dive into each idiom, its meaning, and how to use it!
1. 白头偕老 (bái tóu xié lǎo)
This idiom means "to grow old together," symbolizing a long and harmonious marriage. You can say something like: "Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness, may you 白头偕老!"
2. 比翼双飞 (bǐ yì shuāng fēi)
"To fly side by side" represents two people moving forward together in life. A great way to use this is: "May your journey together be as beautiful as two birds 比翼双飞."
3. 琴瑟和鸣 (qín sè hé míng)
Meaning "the harmonious sounds of a zither and a lute," this phrase is perfect for expressing the hope that their marriage will be filled with harmony and joy. Try saying: "Wishing you a union as beautiful and harmonious as 琴瑟和鸣."
4. 举案齐眉 (jǔ àn qí méi)
This idiom describes a loving couple who show mutual respect and affection. A heartfelt way to use it would be: "May your love for each other always be as deep and respectful as 举案齐眉."
5. 珠联璧合 (zhū lián bì hé)
Meaning "pearl and jade together," this idiom beautifully symbolizes the perfect match between two people. You could say: "What a perfect match you two make! Truly a 珠联璧合."
6. 天作之合 (tiān zuò zhī hé)
This phrase means "a match made in heaven," expressing the idea that they were meant to be together. A fitting way to use it might be: "Your love story is truly a 天作之合, destined to be together."
7. 龙凤呈祥 (lóng fèng chéng xiáng)
Symbolizing the union of a dragon and a phoenix, this idiom is often used to wish prosperity and good fortune upon a couple. You could express your best wishes by saying: "May your marriage bring you prosperity and happiness, just like 龙凤呈祥."
8. 同心协力 (tóng xīn xié lì)
Meaning "united in heart and effort," this idiom is perfect for wishing them success in their joint endeavors. A way to use it could be: "May your marriage be filled with unity and strength, working together as one, 同心协力."
9. 喜结良缘 (xǐ jié liáng yuán)
This idiom means "to celebrate a happy marriage." A simple yet meaningful way to use it might be: "Congratulations on your marriage! May it be a 喜结良缘."
10. 花好月圆 (huā hǎo yuè yuán)
Meaning "flowers in full bloom and a full moon," this idiom is often used to describe a perfect moment or occasion. You could say: "Wishing you a life filled with moments as perfect as 花好月圆."
11. 红绳牵缘 (hóng shéng qiān yuán)
Referring to the "red thread of fate," this idiom symbolizes destiny and the connection between soulmates. A romantic way to use it might be: "Your love story is written in the stars, connected by the 红绳牵缘."
12. 早生贵子 (zǎo shēng guì zǐ)
Wishing the couple to have healthy and prosperous children, this idiom is a traditional blessing. You could express your well-wishes by saying: "Wishing you a family as blessed as 早生贵子."
13. 佳偶天成 (jiā ǒu tiān chéng)
Meaning "a perfect match created by heaven," this idiom expresses the idea that they are meant to be together. A fitting way to use it might be: "Your union is truly a 佳偶天成, destined for greatness."
14. 鸳鸯比翼 (yuān yāng bǐ yì)
Describing two mandarin ducks flying together, this idiom symbolizes a loving and devoted couple. A way to use it could be: "May your love be as strong and devoted as 鸳鸯比翼."
15. 情投意合 (qíng tóu yì hé)
Meaning "in tune with each other's feelings and intentions," this idiom reflects a deep emotional connection. You could say: "Your connection is so strong and meaningful, truly a 情投意合."
16. 家和万事兴 (jiā hé wàn shì xīng)
Meaning "a harmonious family leads to prosperity in all things," this idiom emphasizes the importance of unity and peace in a marriage. A way to use it could be: "May your home be filled with love and laughter, leading to prosperity in all aspects of life, 家和万事兴."
17. 永结同心 (yǒng jié tóng xīn)
Meaning "to bind hearts forever," this idiom expresses the idea of eternal love and commitment. You could express your best wishes by saying: "May your love for each other never fade, 永结同心."
18. 百年好合 (bǎi nián hǎo hé)
Wishing the couple a long and happy marriage, this idiom is a classic choice. A way to use it might be: "Wishing you a century of love and happiness, 百年好合."
19. 心心相印 (xīn xīn xiāng yìn)
Meaning "hearts that beat as one," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of a deep and intimate relationship. You could say: "May your hearts always beat as one, 心心相印."
20. 长长久久 (cháng cháng jiǔ jiǔ)
Wishing the couple a long-lasting and enduring love, this idiom is a simple yet powerful expression. A way to use it might be: "May your love last forever, 长长久久."
21. 永浴爱河 (yǒng yù ài hé)
Meaning "to bathe in love forever," this idiom beautifully expresses the hope that their love will endure. You could express your well-wishes by saying: "May you always be surrounded by love, 永浴爱河."
22. 甜蜜美满 (tián mì měi mǎn)
Wishing the couple a sweet and fulfilling marriage, this idiom is a lovely way to express your best wishes. A way to use it might be: "Wishing you a life filled with sweetness and fulfillment, 甜蜜美满."
23. 相濡以沫 (xiāng rú yǐ mò)
Meaning "to support each other through thick and thin," this idiom reflects the idea of being there for each other no matter what. You could say: "May you always support and cherish each other, 相濡以沫."
24. 举世无双 (jǔ shì wú shuāng)
Meaning "unmatched in the world," this idiom is a grand way to express admiration for their unique bond. A way to use it might be: "Your love is truly 举世无双, unmatched by any other."
25. 福星高照 (fú xīng gāo zhào)
Wishing the couple good fortune and blessings, this idiom is a traditional way to express your best wishes. You could say: "May you always be blessed and lucky, 福星高照."
26. 金玉满堂 (jīn yù mǎn táng)
Meaning "a home filled with treasures," this idiom is a beautiful way to wish them prosperity and abundance. A way to use it might be: "May your home be filled with joy and prosperity, 金玉满堂."
27. 珍馐满桌 (zhēn xiū mǎn zhuō)
Wishing the couple a table full of delicious food, this idiom is a playful way to express your best wishes. A way to use it might be: "May your lives be filled with delights, both big and small, 珍馐满桌."
28. 金榜题名 (jīn bǎng tí míng)
Meaning "to achieve success and recognition," this idiom can be adapted to wish the couple success in their marriage and future endeavors. A way to use it might be: "May your marriage be as successful and celebrated as 金榜题名."
29. 鹊桥相会 (què qiáo xiāng huì)
Referring to the legendary meeting of two star-crossed lovers, this idiom symbolizes a romantic and meaningful connection. A romantic way to use it might be: "May your love story be as beautiful and meaningful as 鹊桥相会."
30. 鸾凤和鸣 (luán fèng hé míng)
Meaning "the harmonious sounds of a phoenix and a phoenix," this idiom beautifully symbolizes a harmonious and joyful union. You could say: "May your marriage be as harmonious and joyful as 鸾凤和鸣."
31. 花开富贵 (huā kāi fù guì)
Wishing the couple prosperity and happiness, this idiom is a traditional way to express your best wishes. A way to use it might be: "May your lives be as prosperous and joyful as 花开富贵."
32. 花好月圆人长久 (huā hǎo yuè yuán rén cháng jiǔ)
Combining the meanings of "flowers in full bloom," "a full moon," and "longevity," this idiom is a poetic way to express your best wishes. A way to use it might be: "May your lives be as beautiful and long-lasting as 花好月圆人长久."
33. 举案齐眉同携手 (jǔ àn qí méi tóng xié shǒu)
Meaning "to walk hand in hand with mutual respect," this idiom is a heartfelt way to express your best wishes. A way to use it might be: "May your journey together be filled with love and respect, 举案齐眉同携手."
34. 比翼双飞共白头 (bǐ yì shuāng fēi gòng bái tóu)
Combining the meanings of "to fly side by side" and "to grow old together," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of lifelong companionship. A way to use it might be: "May your love for each other deepen and grow stronger over time, 比翼双飞共白头."
35. 两情若是久长时 (liǎng qíng ruò shì jiǔ cháng shí)
Meaning "if true love lasts forever," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of eternal love. A way to use it might be: "May your love for each other stand the test of time, 两情若是久长时."
36. 龙凤呈祥双喜临门 (lóng fèng chéng xiáng shuāng xǐ lín mén)
Meaning "prosperity and happiness come knocking at the door," this idiom is a grand way to express your best wishes. A way to use it might be: "May your lives be filled with prosperity and happiness, 龙凤呈祥双喜临门."
37. 琴瑟和谐 (qín sè hé xié)
Meaning "harmonious sounds of a zither and a lute," this idiom beautifully symbolizes a harmonious and joyful union. A way to use it might be: "May your lives be as harmonious and joyful as 琴瑟和谐."
38. 情深意重 (qíng shēn yì zhòng)
Meaning "deep and profound love," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of a strong emotional bond. A way to use it might be: "May your love for each other be as deep and meaningful as 情深意重."
39. 鸾凤和鸣 (luán fèng hé míng)
Meaning "the harmonious sounds of a phoenix and a phoenix," this idiom beautifully symbolizes a harmonious and joyful union. A way to use it might be: "May your marriage be as harmonious and joyful as 鸾凤和鸣."
40. 珠联璧合 (zhū lián bì hé)
Meaning "pearl and jade together," this idiom beautifully symbolizes the perfect match between two people. A way to use it might be: "May your lives together be as beautiful and harmonious as 珠联璧合."
41. 金玉良缘 (jīn yù liáng yuán)
Meaning "a golden and precious marriage," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of a valuable and meaningful union. A way to use it might be: "May your marriage be as precious and meaningful as 金玉良缘."
42. 情比金坚 (qíng bǐ jīn jiān)
Meaning "love stronger than gold," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of a strong and unbreakable bond. A way to use it might be: "May your love for each other be as strong and unbreakable as 情比金坚."
43. 百年好合 (bǎi nián hǎo hé)
Wishing the couple a long and happy marriage, this idiom is a classic choice. A way to use it might be: "Wishing you a century of love and happiness, 百年好合."
44. 珠联璧合 (zhū lián bì hé)
Meaning "pearl and jade together," this idiom beautifully symbolizes the perfect match between two people. A way to use it might be: "May your lives together be as beautiful and harmonious as 珠联璧合."
45. 白头偕老 (bái tóu xié lǎo)
Meaning "to grow old together," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of a lifelong partnership. A way to use it might be: "May you grow old together, 白头偕老."
46. 龙凤呈祥 (lóng fèng chéng xiáng)
Meaning "dragon and phoenix bring auspiciousness," this idiom beautifully symbolizes the perfect union. A way to use it might be: "May your marriage be as auspicious and harmonious as 龙凤呈祥."
47. 举世无双 (jǔ shì wú shuāng)
Meaning "unmatched in the world," this idiom beautifully captures the uniqueness of their bond. A way to use it might be: "Your love is truly 举世无双, unmatched by any other."
48. 鸳鸯比翼 (yuān yāng bǐ yì)
Meaning "mandarin ducks flying side by side," this idiom beautifully symbolizes a loving and devoted couple. A way to use it might be: "May your love be as strong and devoted as 鸳鸯比翼."
49. 情投意合 (qíng tóu yì hé)
Meaning "in tune with each other's feelings and intentions," this idiom beautifully captures the essence of a deep emotional connection. A way to use it might be: "May your hearts always be in tune with each other, 情投意合."
There you have it, folks! These 49 Chinese idioms are sure to add a touch of elegance and tradition to your wedding congratulations. Whether you're writing a card, giving a toast, or simply expressing your well-wishes, these phrases will help you convey your heartfelt sentiments in a beautiful and meaningful way. Remember, learning and using these idioms not only enhances your language skills but also helps you connect more deeply with the culture. Happy celebrating!
