'Qǔ xífu' literally combines 'qǔ' (to take/marry, specifically for a man bringing a wife into his family), 'xí' (daughter-in-law), and 'fù' (woman/wife). Together, it means 'to marry a wife' — but with strong cultural connotations: it emphasizes the groom’s family acquiring a new female member, often in the context of traditional marriage arrangements, parental expectations, or life milestones like starting a family. It is colloquial and commonly used in spoken Mandarin, especially by older generations or in rural settings.

This phrase carries implicit gender roles and familial responsibility — it’s rarely used neutrally; instead, it signals social transition, duty, or even pressure (e.g., 'When will you qǔ xífu?'). It does not apply to same-sex marriages or modern egalitarian framing. Unlike formal terms like 'jiéhūn' (to get married), 'qǔ xífu' centers the groom’s action and the bride’s entry into his household, reflecting historical patrilocal customs.