双亲

shuāng qīn
nounIntermediate💡 parents
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.

Collocations

双亲健在both parents are alive双亲离世both parents have passed away

Antonyms

💡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

both; pair
root
+
parent; relatives
root
汉英词典