# 天作之合

tiān zuò zhī hé

An exceptionally well matched couple

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A union made by heaven

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Praise a harmonious romantic pairing.

A compliment, not a prediction of a perfect marriage.

## Understanding the expression

Attributing a union to heaven presents the pairing as unusually fitting, as though its harmony were arranged beyond human planning. The expression is common in wedding wishes and descriptions of compatible couples. It praises the match rather than any one partner. Modern speakers may also extend it playfully to a successful partnership, but romance remains the central association. Even a well matched couple still needs communication and effort over time.

## Examples

大家都说他们是天作之合。

### Traditional Chinese

大家都說他們是天作之合。

dà jiā dōu shuō tā men shì tiān zuò zhī hé 。

Everyone says they are a match made in heaven.

这对新人真是天作之合。

### Traditional Chinese

這對新人真是天作之合。

zhè duì xīn rén zhēn shì tiān zuò zhī hé 。

The newlyweds are wonderfully well matched.

她觉得两人的性格是天作之合。

### Traditional Chinese

她覺得兩人的性格是天作之合。

tā jué de liǎng rén de xìng gé shì tiān zuò zhī hé 。

She feels their personalities make them an ideal match.

祝这段天作之合长久幸福。

### Traditional Chinese

祝這段天作之合長久幸福。

zhù zhè duàn tiān zuò zhī hé cháng jiǔ xìng fú 。

May this heavenly match bring lasting happiness.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%A4%A9%E4%BD%9C%E4%B9%8B%E5%90%88)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=740&webMd=1&la=0)

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