彩礼 (cǎilǐ): bride price

Meanings

1 bride price
2 betrothal gift (money/goods from groom's family to bride's)

Characters

彩

Examples

男方出了三十万彩礼。

Nánfāng chū le sānshí wàn cǎilǐ.

The groom's family paid 300,000 yuan in bride price.

现在彩礼越来越高,很多男生结不起婚。

Xiànzài cǎilǐ yuèláiyuè gāo, hěn duō nánshēng jié bù qǐ hūn.

Bride prices keep climbing and a lot of men can't afford to marry.

Tips

culture

A major social issue in contemporary China, especially in rural provinces like Henan, Jiangxi, and Shandong where 彩礼 can exceed a family's annual income. Distinct from 嫁妆 (jiàzhuang, dowry from bride's side) and 份子钱 (guest gift money).