情侣
qíng lǚ
Lovers · trad. 情侶
情侣 (qínglǚ) is the most common and neutral term for "lovers" or a romantic couple in Mandarin Chinese. It typically refers to two people in a romantic relationship who are not yet married.
When to use it
Neutral and widely used. For a more poetic or literary feel, 恋人 (liànrén) can be used. 爱人 (àirén) is more intimate and can refer to a lover or a spouse, depending on context. If you want to specify "boyfriend and girlfriend," you can use 男女朋友 (nánnǚ péngyǒu).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "ching-LYOO." The first syllable, 情 (qíng), is like "ching" in "ching-ching" with a rising tone. The second syllable, 侣 (lǚ), is like "loo" but with your lips rounded as if to say "oo" while trying to say "ee" (similar to the 'u' in French 'tu' or German 'für') with a third tone.
Other ways to say it
- 恋人liàn rénlovers (more poetic/literary)
- 爱人ài rénlover / spouse (more intimate)
- 男女朋友nán nǚ péng yǒuboyfriend and girlfriend
Examples
他们是一对恩爱的情侣。
tā men shì yí duì ēn ài de qíng lǚ 。
They are a loving couple/lovers.
这对情侣喜欢一起旅行。
zhè duì qíng lǚ xǐ huan yì qǐ lǚ xíng 。
This couple/these lovers enjoy traveling together.
他们穿情侣装。
tā men chuān qíng lǚ zhuāng 。
They wear matching couple's outfits.
Pro tip: While 情侣 refers to a romantic couple, it usually implies they are unmarried. For a married couple, the term 夫妻 (fūqī) is used. Also, mastering the 'ü' sound in 侣 can be challenging for English speakers.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →