This article discusses the Chinese translations of two English words, “acculturation” and “enculturation” in intercultural adaptation. “Acculturation” is commonly translated into “hanhua ” (涵 化) whereas “enculturation” is mostly translated into “ruhua” (濡化) in Chinese dictionaries. It argues that both translations are mismatched and they should be reversed. From an etymological perspective, this article posits “ruhua” is a more appropriate translation for “acculturation” and “hanhua” is a more appropriate translation for “enculturation”. In conclusion, “ruhua” displays the connotative meaning of “acculturation” – cultural interaction, which is more clearly than ‘hanhua’ in era of globalization.