Meaning
A matchmaker is a person who arranges introductions between potential marriage partners. Traditionally in Chinese culture, marriages were often arranged through matchmakers who would negotiate between families. Today the term is also used more broadly for anyone who facilitates romantic connections between people.
Usage
While traditional matchmaking practices have declined in modern China, the term 媒人 is still understood and used, especially when discussing traditional customs or in rural areas. In contemporary contexts, it can refer to friends or relatives who introduce potential dating partners. The role carries cultural significance as matchmakers were essential figures in traditional Chinese weddings.
Examples
- 01我奶奶和爷爷是通过媒人认识的。.My grandmother and grandfather met through a matchmaker.
- 02她给很多年轻人做过媒人。.She has been a matchmaker for many young people.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个媒人
- 位一位媒人
Common collocations
- 做媒人to be a matchmaker
- 请媒人to hire/invite a matchmaker
- 媒人之言the matchmaker's words
Origin
The character 媒 originally meant 'go-between' or 'intermediary' and combines the woman radical (女) with a phonetic component. It has been used specifically for marriage matchmakers throughout Chinese history.