China Daily's forum readers offer their perspectives on the term "shengnu" - directly translated as "leftover women".

It was coined to refer to white-collar females who remain unwed by their late 20s.

There has been a great deal of hype in China about "shengnu". Here is an opinion piece from a Canadian reader, Canadian_Ethan.

Mature, intelligent and successful. No idea why so many Chinese men don't want them. Same reason many men in China don't want to date a woman with a higher degree or more money I guess. Seems crazy to me.

Canadian_Ethan (Canada)

I am engaged now to a Chinese woman who is two steps "worse" than leftover. She is 39, has a nine-year-old son and is divorced.

I was not looking for a Chinese woman, just a "good" woman. She seemed to fit the bill when I accidentally met her through work.

I feel like it is a savage, chauvinistic thing to suggest that a woman is "left-over" because she is older than 35. This is something that may have been common in western countries 100+ years ago, but we have developed beyond that now. Women are considered equal in almost every way.

Smaug (US)

If I hear one more person refer to another female as a "leftover woman" I might slap them. "Leftover Women" is such a derogatory term and it is just another way for men in power to try to make women feel inferior.

The truth is, many men are terrified that they will have to compete with these women for jobs and professional prestige.

The government also prefers women to stay at home and procreate because they know that China is at a tipping point of gender imbalance.

Instead of supporting the choices of women, they justify shaming women into marriage as a means to their end. A woman should be able to choose whether or not she wants to marry and have children without anyone intervening.

Boilermaker21 (US)

As a college professor, I have had the opportunity to meet several incredibly lovely, intelligent, and charming Chinese women who are all "leftover."

The majority of the ones I've met (keep in mind - skewed sample because I'm working in universities) were highly educated, which seems to frighten men in general.

It's not just a Chinese thing - Western men seem to be afraid of highly educated women too, especially if the woman is more educated than the man.

Querist (US)

Some of these leftover women are too picky....Expectations are high, some of which are totally reasonable which include loyalty, faithful, love, caring.

But for the leftover women who are wanting a house, car e.g. they will find it very hard to find someone because most leftover women tend to have average to below average looks, compared to the younger more beautiful women who would have already been taken by either a handsome, rich or successful guy.

So the situation here is that some leftover women with high expectations do not really have the right to be so demanding for material things when looking for a guy. Rejecting guys because of this is the same as a guy rejecting a leftover woman because of her age and looks.

truthbetold1 (UK)

In the US, it is virtually unheard of. Not that women who are over 30 are all married. Far from it.

In the US, we consider it more important to mature in your own life before getting married. Most people are worried that their children will marry too young; certainly not too old.

I got married when I was 23. She was 19. Everyone tried to discourage it. But, being in America, they left the choice up to us.

It has amazed me here in China that the thought of most parents is, their child is old enough to get married but not old enough to choose whom they will marry.

The parent want to choose the mate for their child. Actually, that kind of thinking is rather humorous to those in the Western world. No logic behind it as far as we are concerned. Living in a marriage 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year takes a lot more maturity than simply choosing a mate.

So, the Western view is, wait to get married. Mature first. Choose wisely before you make a commitment. Choose someone that you love.

If the husband and wife are supported by genuine love within the marriage, then, the chances are far greater that they will have a successful marriage and life.

MichaelM (US)

Women here in Australia are not considered "leftover" if they don't marry young, but in many families the parents will hint to girls and to a lesser extent boys that it's time to start looking for a partner.

It's more subtle and most families have the interest of the children at heart. If the kids don't want to marry then it's okay.

From what I've seen, it's the mothers who are the pushiest, mostly due to the bragging rights associated with grandchildren. They are known to nag single daughters and suggest suitable mates. Just how much of this goes on and is serious rather than light-hearted is a matter of some speculation.

What I do know is that by the time people are 50 in Australia some 40 per cent will be living on their own.

Ratfink (Australia)

'Leftover' Women of China (I hate even typing that)... Come to America.

You will not be looked down upon, that I can guarantee. American men are looking for a partner and there are single men of every age, so usually they kind of stay within their age group.

They just want someone who can be their best friend. Romance does not have an expiry date, nor should it.

JFenix (US)

It's not 1913, you are not supposed to get married at 16 and have 10 children so they can be put to work and help in the household.

This is not a competition after all! You get married when you find the right person; if you don't you concentrate on other things and a career! I feel there is a lot of pressure in China for women to get married.

Why? I have always said you better be alone than in a forced and bad relationship.

That's how people end up unhappily married because of societal pressure. In my opinion this is stupid!

We live in a modern world, it's never too late to start a family and get married, as long as you find the right person and live a happy life! What sick mind creates these norms and labels? This is wrong on so many levels.

ElinaT (UK)

No one is "left over" unless they want to be. I am older then most here, but feel I have something to offer a lady. I think same goes for all the single women in China also. Respect yourself and it will work out in the end.

deeds61 (US)