Definition
妻室 is a formal, literary term for 'wife' — it carries a more respectful or legalistic tone than the everyday word 妻子 (qīzi). You'll encounter it in legal documents, historical texts, or formal writing (e.g., 娶妻室 'take a wife'). It is not used in casual conversation; using it there would sound stiff or archaic.
n.
(formal) wifeesp. in legal or literary contexts
Examples
- 妻室。Tā zhìjīn shàngwèi qǔ qī.He has not yet taken a wife to this day.
- ，妻室。Fǎlǜ shàng, qī xiǎngyǒu jìchéngquán.Legally, the wife has inheritance rights.
- ""妻室。Gǔrén cháng yǐ "xián nèizhù" chēngsòng qī.Ancient people often praised a wife as a 'virtuous helpmate'.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.