门当户对

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: mén dāng hù duì
• English Translation: A marriage where the families' social status and economic conditions are well matched
• Idiom Composition: 「门」（Family background）＋「当」（Corresponding, matching）＋「户」（Family）＋「对」（To match, to pair）
• Meaning: Refers to the situation where both parties' family backgrounds, social status, and economic conditions are well matched. It mainly describes a suitable relationship for marriage.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「门当户对」 contains the following nuances:

• Balance of family background: Emphasizes that both families have comparable social status and family backgrounds.
• Economic balance: Indicates that the economic strength of both families is balanced.
• Suitability for marriage: Suggests that matching family background and economic status make the relationship suitable for marriage.
• Stability and harmony: It is believed that the balance between the two families contributes to stability in married life and harmony within the household.

3. Usage

「门当户对」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating a marriage partner: Used when assessing whether the family backgrounds and economic conditions of both parties are well matched in the context of marriage.
  • Example:「他们两家门当户对，结婚是理所当然的事。」
    （Their two families are well matched in background and economic status, so their marriage is natural.）
• Reasons for supporting or opposing a marriage: Used to cite the balance between families as a reason for supporting or opposing a marriage.
  • Example:「虽然他们相爱，但由于门不当户不对，双方家长都反对这门亲事。」
    （Although they love each other, their families are not well matched, so both parents oppose the marriage.）
• Figurative usage: Sometimes used figuratively to describe a well-matched partnership beyond people or families, such as between companies.
  • Example:「这两个公司实力相当，合作起来可以说是门当户对。」
    （These two companies have comparable strength and can be said to be a perfect match for cooperation.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在古代，门当户对是婚姻的重要条件之一。
   （In ancient times, being well matched in family background was one of the important conditions for marriage.）
2. 他们虽然性格不合，但家庭背景门当户对，最终还是走到了一起。
   （Although their personalities did not match, their family backgrounds were well matched, and they eventually came together.）
3. 这对新人真是门当户对，郎才女貌，天作之合。
   （This newlywed couple is truly well matched; the groom is talented, the bride is beautiful, a match made in heaven.）
4. 现代社会，人们对门当户对的观念已经淡化了许多。
   （In modern society, the idea of valuing matching family background and economic status has significantly faded.）
5. 父母希望我找一个门当户对的对象结婚，但我更看重感情。
   （My parents hope I marry someone who is well matched in family background and economic status, but I value feelings more.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Traditional view of marriage: '门当户对' reflects the traditional Chinese view of marriage, where marriage was seen as a union between families rather than just individuals. Therefore, matching family background and economic status were highly valued.
• Changes in modern society: In modern times, love marriages have become common, and the importance of '门当户对' has diminished. However, this concept still holds strong among older generations.
• Diversity of values: '门当户对' represents just one perspective. When choosing a marriage partner, it is important to consider not only family background and economic status but also personality and shared values.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 珠联璧合 (zhū lián bì hé): Refers to a perfect match in talents or appearance, especially in marriage.
  • 金玉良缘 (jīn yù liáng yuán): An extremely auspicious and ideal marriage.
• Opposite Idioms:

6. Summary

'门当户对' is an important idiom for understanding traditional Chinese views on marriage. While its significance has diminished in modern society, it still remains in people's consciousness. When using this idiom, it is important to understand its historical and cultural background and be aware of differences with contemporary values.