How do you express love in Chinese using idioms and metaphors

In Chinese, love is often expressed through idioms (成语 chéngyǔ) and metaphors that are rich in cultural meaning and poetic imagery. Some common idioms and metaphors for expressing love include:

• 相亲相爱 (xiāng qīn xiāng ài), meaning mutual love and affection between people.
• 白头偕老 (báitóu xiélǎo), literally “white heads together until old,” symbolizing a lifelong, faithful marriage.
• 心心相印 (xīn xīn xiāng yìn), meaning two hearts beating as one or perfect mutual understanding.
• 海枯石烂 (hǎi kū shí làn), metaphorically expressing eternal love, meaning “until the seas dry up and rocks decay.”
• 一见钟情 (yī jiàn zhōng qíng), meaning love at first sight.

Metaphors for love in Chinese also often involve nature and timeless elements, for example, comparing love to spring (春 chūn), which symbolizes renewal, warmth, and growth.

These idioms and metaphors convey deep emotional connections, loyalty, and enduring commitment, reflecting values cherished in Chinese culture regarding love and relationships. ^{3, 10}

References

• 汉语“春”成语的含义与文化价值分析

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