📖 Meaning
Refers to a marriage conducted through formal and legitimate procedures. In modern usage, it denotes a lawful marriage that complies with marriage regulations. It emphasizes the openness and legality of the union.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Yuan dynasty playwright Guan Hanqing's play 'Jiu Feng Chen' (Rescuing the Prostitute), specifically the fourth act. In the play, the line contrasts a proper, openly conducted marriage with behavior that flagrantly violates social customs. The expression has since been used to distinguish legitimate, formally recognized marriages from informal or illicit unions.
💡 Example Usage
他们是明婚正娶的夫妻，谁也无权干涉他们的生活。
They are a legitimately married couple, and no one has the right to interfere with their life.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 明婚正娶
- Pinyin: míng hūn zhèng qǔ
- Literal Translation: bright, marry, proper, wed
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4