婚姻等级

Marriage grading 婚姻等级 hūn yīn děng jí

A grading system for marriages based on couples' happiness devised by Chinese scholar Zhang Zhongxing (1909-2006). The system is divided into four parts: satisfied, so-so, bearable and insufferable.

Many couples have the "satisfied" grade early in their marriage, although some can struggle to maintain such bliss.

The "so-so" grade is most common among married couples, who have inevitable conflicts but also share happiness.

Those in the "bearable" grade remain married not for love for each other, but for other factors such as for a child's benefit or economical issues.

"Insufferable" marriages are those on the rocks, whereby both partners eye imminent divorce.