Looking up...
双亲
shuāng qīn
What does "双亲" mean in English?
parents他双亲都在国外工作。
His parents both work abroad.
How to use "双亲" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
Both parents (father and mother) collectively.
双亲健在是他的最大幸福。
Having both parents alive is his greatest happiness.
Commonly used in formal or written contexts to refer to one's father and mother together.
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Usage
When speaking casually, use '父母' (fùmǔ) instead of '双亲'. '双亲' is more appropriate for formal writing, speeches, or when emphasizing the completeness of both parents.
Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Do not use '双亲' when referring to a single parent. Use '父亲' (father) or '母亲' (mother) instead.
Word Origin
The term '双亲' is composed of two Chinese characters: '双' (shuāng, meaning 'both' or 'pair') and '亲' (qīn, meaning 'parent' or 'relatives'). Together, they form a compound word that specifically refers to both parents collectively.
Usage Notes
1. '双亲' is a formal term and is typically used in written Chinese or in respectful speech. In everyday conversation, '父母' (fùmǔ) is more commonly used. 2. The term is neutral and does not carry any emotional connotation by itself, though it may be used in contexts that imply care or concern for one's parents. 3. In legal or formal documents, '双亲' may be used to emphasize the dual parental relationship.
Word Breakdown
双
both; pair
root亲
parent; relatives
root汉英词典