红包
hóngbāo
A red packet in Chinese is 红包 (hóngbāo).
红包 is an envelope with money given as a gift at festivals and special occasions. In digital apps like WeChat, sending one is 发红包 and the competitive game of grabbing red packets in a group chat is 抢红包.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is made of 红 (hóng), red and 包 (bāo), packet or envelope.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese the popular everyday word is 利是. In Taiwan and other Minnan-speaking regions, 红包 is pronounced âng-pau.
How do you pronounce it?
In pinyin it is hóngbāo.
When do people say it?
Red packets are traditionally given during Lunar New Year to symbolize good luck and prosperity. It is customary to give and receive them with both hands to show respect.
Did you know?
- Historically, 红包 were called 'ya sui qian', meaning 'money to suppress the demons', based on the belief that they protected children from evil spirits during the New Year.
- When receiving a 红包 ('hóngbāo'), it is considered polite to avoid opening the envelope immediately in front of the giver to show you value the gesture more than the amount inside.
- In traditional customs, the money inside a 红包 should be crisp and new notes, as old or worn bills are seen as lacking the spirit of a fresh start for the New Year.
Examples in context
- 过年的时候，小朋友最喜欢收红包。Guònián de shíhòu, xiǎopéngyǒu zuì xǐhuān shōu hóngbāo.During the New Year, children love receiving red packets most.
- 请收下我的红包，祝你新年快乐。Qǐng shōuxià wǒ de hóngbāo, zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè.Please accept my red packet, and I wish you a Happy New Year.
- 这个红包里的钱很多。Zhège hóngbāo lǐ de qián hěnduō.There is a lot of money in this red packet.
Example conversation
A young man gives a gift to a woman during a festive celebration.
- 浩然 Haoran佳怡，这是给你的红包。Jiāyí, zhè shì gěi nǐ de hóngbāo.Jiayi, this is a red packet for you.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢浩然，真的太客气了。Xièxiè Hàorán, zhēnde tài kèqi le.Thank you, Haoran, you are too kind.
- 浩然 Haoran希望你生活愉快。Xīwàng nǐ shēnghuó yúkuài.I hope you have a happy life.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也祝你万事如意。Wǒ yě zhù nǐ wànshì rúyì.I also wish you all the best.
