China growing trend sees couples calling each other ‘teammate’ or ‘roommate’
South China Morning Post
by Fran LuMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China’s Growing Trend: Couples Call Each Other ‘Teammate’ or ‘Roommate’ Instead of Sweetheart
Married couples in China are increasingly ditching traditional romantic nicknames like "lover" or "hubby/wifey" in favor of more practical terms such as "teammate" (dui you) and "roommate" (shi you). This shift reflects a growing preference for realistic, effort-based language to describe relationships, with some couples using these terms to signal a comradely partnership rather than an overly sentimental one. While the trend has sparked debate online, it highlights a broader societal shift toward more grounded communication styles in romantic relationships.
The use of "teammate" and "roommate" is said to have originated among overseas Chinese communities, where couples often face the challenges of building lives together in unfamiliar environments. Unlike the Western term "partner," which can imply a romantic or intimate connection regardless of marital status, these terms emphasize a cooperative, goal-oriented dynamic between spouses. Critics argue that this trend suggests an "unhappy" marriage, as it downplays emotional intimacy in favor of practicality.
Meanwhile, single individuals have been quick to dismiss the trend, calling it confusing and overly pretentious. They point out that traditional nicknames carry deeper emotional significance, while terms like "teammate" or "roommate" lack warmth and can come across as emotionally distant. Despite this pushback, married couples continue to embrace these new titles, viewing them as a reflection of their shared efforts and mutual support in navigating life together.
This trend matters because it highlights broader shifts in how relationships are perceived globally—specifically the growing emphasis on practicality and teamwork over romance. It also underscores cultural differences in expressing love and commitment, with China’s approach reflecting a unique blend of resilience and realism. As relationships evolve in an increasingly fast-paced world, such trends offer insight into how people adapt their communication styles to suit modern expectations.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/2/2026