adverb / prefix HSK 4
mutually · each other · reciprocal
Meaning
互 means 'mutually' or 'each other' and expresses reciprocal action or relationship between two or more parties. It is rarely used alone in modern Chinese and almost always appears as part of compound words or before verbs to indicate mutual action.
Usage
Native speakers primarily use 互 as a prefix in compound words like 互相 (hùxiāng, mutually), 互联网 (hùliánwǎng, internet), or 互动 (hùdòng, interact). It's formal in register and appears more in written Chinese than casual speech. When used before verbs, it emphasizes that the action goes both ways between participants.
Examples
- 01我们要互相尊重，互相学习。, .We should respect each other and learn from each other.
- 02这两个国家签订了互不侵犯条约。.These two countries signed a mutual non-aggression treaty.
Common collocations
- 互相帮助to help each other
- 互相理解to understand each other
- 互利mutually beneficial
- 互补complementary
Antonyms
Origin
The character 互 originally depicted two hands exchanging or interacting with each other, visually representing the concept of reciprocity and mutual action.