配

• Pinyin: pèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 配 = 酉 (wine jar) + 己 (self), originally to blend wine, extended to matching and pairing

Meaning

To match; to pair; to go with. Also means to be worthy of or to deserve.

A versatile verb with several meanings: (1) to match or pair things together (配颜色 = match colours, 配钥匙 = make a matching key), (2) to go well with (这条裙子配什么鞋子好 = what shoes go with this skirt), and (3) to deserve or be worthy of (配得上 = worthy of, 不配 = unworthy). All senses share the idea of things going together.

Examples

1. 这条蓝色围巾很配你的外套。 This blue scarf goes really well with your coat.
2. 我去配了一副新眼镜。 I went and got a new pair of glasses made.
3. 红酒配牛排是经典搭配。 Red wine with steak is a classic pairing.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, daily life, food

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这两个颜色很配。(These two colours match well.)
• 你觉得我配得上这个工作吗？(Do you think I'm worthy of this job?)

Don't Say

• 我要配一个朋友。(Don't use 配 to mean making friends — 配 implies matching or pairing objects, not befriending. Say 我想交一个朋友.)

Origin & History

配 = 酉 (wine jar) + 己 (self), originally meaning to blend wine. Extended to matching and pairing things together in general.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal