📖 Meaning
The oriole and swallow are metaphors for women, while chou and lv both mean companion or mate. The idiom refers to a man's wife or sweetheart, his beloved partner in marriage or romance. It conveys the state of having found a loving companion in life.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Act 3 of the Yuan-dynasty (元代) drama 'Lu Zhailang' (《鲁斋郎》) by the renowned playwright Guan Hanqing (关汉卿). In the play a character declares: 'You have your own oriole companion and swallow mate; from now on I care nothing for the world.' In classical Chinese literature, orioles and swallows are commonly used as metaphors for beautiful women. The idiom thus came to mean a man's wife or beloved lover, describing one who enjoys the company of a devoted partner.
💡 Example Usage
他漂泊半生，终于有了莺俦燕侣，过上了安稳的日子。
After drifting through half his life, he finally found his beloved companion and began to live a settled, peaceful life.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 莺俦燕侣
- Pinyin: yīng chóu yàn lǚ
- Literal Translation: oriole companion, swallow mate
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4