‘催婚’ literally combines ‘催’ (cuī), meaning ‘to urge’ or ‘to pressure’, and ‘婚’ (hūn), meaning ‘marriage’. Together, it means ‘to pressure someone to get married’, typically used when family members, friends, or society push an unmarried person—often in their late twenties or thirties—to marry quickly. It carries a sense of social expectation and sometimes emotional discomfort, reflecting cultural norms in China where marriage is traditionally viewed as a key life milestone.

The term is commonly used in discussions about generational differences, urban vs. rural values, and gender roles—especially toward women, who often face stronger expectations. While not inherently negative, ‘催婚’ frequently implies unwanted or persistent urging, and may evoke feelings of anxiety, resentment, or helplessness. It appears widely in media, online forums, and everyday conversation, especially around holidays like Spring Festival when families gather and marital status is frequently discussed.