元宵节
Yuánxiāojié
The English phrase "lantern festival" is translated into Chinese as 元宵节 (Yuánxiāojié).
The term refers to the festival that marks the end of the Chinese New Year period.
Meaning: festival marking the end of the Chinese New Year period (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 元宵节 consists of 元宵 (yuánxiāo), which refers to the sweet rice balls eaten during the festival and 节 (jié), meaning festival.
Which one should you use?
While 元宵节 is the most common way to refer to the holiday, it is also known as 上元节.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the festival is referred to as 元宵節.
How do you pronounce it?
Yuánxiāojié
When do people say it?
The festival is traditionally celebrated by eating 元宵 (yuánxiāo), which are glutinous rice balls that can have sweet or savory fillings.
Did you know?
- Historically, 元宵节 was one of the few nights of the year when young women were permitted to leave their homes and wander the streets freely.
- During the festival, people often participate in 'guessing lantern riddles' where short puzzles are written on the lanterns for passersby to solve.
- While the name 元宵节 comes from a food, the phrase 上元节 refers to the Taoist deity of the celestial realms who is worshipped on this day.
Examples in context
- 元宵节有很多漂亮的灯笼。Yuánxiāojié yǒu hěnduō piàoliang de dēnglóng.There are many beautiful lanterns during the lantern festival.
- 我们打算在元宵节吃汤圆。Wǒmen dǎsuàn zài Yuánxiāojié chī tāngyuán.We plan to eat tangyuan on the lantern festival.
- 元宵节是农历新年期间的一个节日。Yuánxiāojié shì nónglì xīnnián qījiān de yīgè jiérì.The lantern festival is a festival during the Lunar New Year period.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the upcoming holiday.
- 雨婷 Yuting伟，元宵节你有安排吗？Wěi, Yuánxiāojié nǐ yǒu ānpái ma?Wei, do you have plans for the lantern festival?
- 伟 Wei我打算和家人一起看灯会。Wǒ dǎsuàn hé jiārén yīqǐ kàn dēnghuì.I plan to go to the lantern show with my family.
- 雨婷 Yuting我也想去，我们一起吧！Wǒ yě xiǎng qù, wǒmen yīqǐ ba!I want to go too, let's go together!
- 伟 Wei好啊，元宵节见！Hǎo a, Yuánxiāojié jiàn!Okay, see you on the lantern festival!
