庆祝
qìngzhù
The English phrase "celebration" is translated into Chinese as 庆祝 (qìngzhù).
庆祝 is a social gathering for entertainment and fun. When referring specifically to a social gathering or an organized event, you can use 庆祝会. To describe celebratory activities or a more general formal celebration, the phrase 庆祝活动 is commonly used. Additionally, the term 迎春 is specifically associated with Chinese New Year celebrations.
Meaning: social gathering for entertainment and fun (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 庆祝 is the standard term, 庆典 is used specifically for grand or ceremonial celebrations, implying a more formal and public gathering. If you want to describe a specific social party or organized event, use 庆祝会 and if you are referring to celebratory activities, use 庆祝活动.
How do you pronounce it?
qìngzhù
Did you know?
- A traditional Chinese celebration is often judged by its 热闹, a word that literally means 'noisy and hot'. In this context, loudness is seen as a positive sign of a successful and lively gathering.
- In many written celebrations, such as wedding invitations, you will see the character 囍 (shuāngxǐ), which is a stylized version of the word for 'joy' doubled up, representing 'double happiness'.
- The character 庆 in 庆祝 is historically linked to the idea of 'celebrating a blessing'. In ancient times, this was often tied to the arrival of a male heir to ensure the family line.
Examples in context
- 我没请他来参加庆祝会，感到有点内疚。I feel a little guilty that I didn't invite him to join the celebration.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 庆祝 when discussing a social gathering.Tatoeba #334740 by fucongcong, translation #387980 by Mouseneb
- 我们将举办一场盛大的庆祝晚会。We are going to hold a grand celebration party.
- 我们要好好庆祝这个特别的日子。Let's celebrate this special day!
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are talking about a graduation party.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你参加毕业庆祝吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ cānjiā bìyè qìngzhù ma?Xiaowen, are you attending the graduation celebration?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen当然参加，什么时候开始？Dāngrán cānjiā, shénme shíhou kāishǐ?Of course, what time does it start?
- 伟 Wei晚上六点在餐厅见。Wǎnshàng liù diǎn zài cāntīng jiàn.See you at the restaurant at six PM.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好的，伟，到时候见。Hǎo de, Wěi, dào shíhou jiàn.Okay, Wei, see you then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
