The role of the 新郎 in a Chinese wedding is both celebratory and filled with responsibility, often reflecting family-centric values. While a Western groom's experience might be defined by his bachelor party and standing at the altar, a Chinese groom's wedding day is packed with specific, meaningful rituals. A key event is 接亲 (jiēqīn), or “picking up the bride.” The 新郎, accompanied by his groomsmen (伴郎团, bànláng tuán), must go to the bride's home. Here, he is blocked at the door by the bridesmaids (伴娘, bànniáng) and must pass a series of challenges known as “door games” (堵门游戏, dǔmén yóuxì). These can include singing songs, answering questions about his relationship, and performing silly tasks, all to “prove” his love and worthiness. Often, he must also hand over red envelopes (红包, hóngbāo) to the bridesmaids. At the wedding banquet, the 新郎, alongside his bride (新娘, xīnniáng), is expected to 敬酒 (jìngjiǔ)—go from table to table toasting every single guest. This is a sign of respect and gratitude, reinforcing social harmony and acknowledging the community that has come to celebrate with them. This can be an exhausting marathon of drinking and socializing, symbolizing his commitment to both his new wife and the joining of their families. These traditions emphasize that a marriage is not just a union of two individuals, but an integration of two families and their social networks.
新郎 is the standard, go-to word for “groom.” It's used in all contexts, from casual conversation to formal announcements.