Definition
配偶 (pèi ǒu) is a formal, official term for 'spouse', used in legal documents, forms, and formal writing. In everyday speech, mainland Chinese use 爱人 (ài ren) to refer to one's spouse; 老婆 (lǎo po) is a colloquial term for 'wife'. 配偶 is gender-neutral and carries no affectionate tone.
noun
spouse
Examples
- 配偶。Zhè fèn hétong xūyào pèi ǒu shuāngfāng gòngtóng qiānzì.This contract requires both spouses to sign together.
- 配偶。Tā zhèngzài bànlǐ pèi ǒu de yímín shǒuxù.He is handling the immigration procedures for his spouse.
- 配偶。Gōngsī wèi yuángōng jí qí pèi ǒu tígōng yīliáo bǎoxiǎn.The company provides health insurance for employees and their spouses.
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