花环
huāhuán
The English phrase 'lei' can be translated into Chinese as 花环 (huāhuán).
While 花环 is the direct translation for a Hawaiian lei, it is also used generally in Chinese to describe any circular garland or wreath made of flowers.
Meaning: garland of flowers in Hawaii (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 花环 is composed of 花 (flower) and 环 (ring or circle).
How do you pronounce it?
huāhuán
Did you know?
- While 花环 describes a celebratory 'lei', the same word is used for funeral wreaths in China. The context of the event determines whether the 'ring of flowers' represents a joyful welcome or a final farewell.
- In traditional Chinese art, a circle of flowers like a 花环 often symbolizes eternity or the cyclical nature of life because it has no beginning and no end.
- While a Hawaiian lei is a modern cultural staple, the concept of a 环 (ring) in Chinese culture originally referred to much more prestigious items, such as circles of jade or gold.
Examples in context
- 我累了I am tired
- 雷暴Thunderstorm
- 我感到累I feel tired
- 你真厉害You are amazing
- 哪里哪里Not at all or Oh, it's nothing
- 这个花环很漂亮。Zhège huāhuán hěn piàoliang.This flower garland is very beautiful.
- 她戴着一个白色的花环。Tā dàizhe yīgè báisè de huāhuán.She is wearing a white flower garland.
- 你会为我准备花环吗？Nǐ huì wèi wǒ zhǔnbèi huāhuán ma?Will you prepare a flower garland for me?
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are visiting Hawaii.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你看那个花环多漂亮！Xiǎowén, nǐ kàn nàgè huāhuán duō piàoliang!Xiaowen, look how beautiful that lei is!
- 晓雯 Xiaowen真的，我好想买一个。Zhēnde, wǒ hǎo xiǎng mǎi yīgè.It really is, I would love to buy one.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我给你买一个花环吧。Wǒ gěi nǐ mǎi yīgè huāhuán ba.Let me buy a lei for you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen谢谢你，志强！Xièxiè nǐ, Zhìqiáng!Thank you, Zhiqiang!
