hóng bāo
red envelope; red packet
春节的时候，长辈会给晚辈发红包。
chūn jié de shí hòu, zhǎng bèi huì gěi wǎn bèi fā hóng bāo.
During the Spring Festival, elders will give red envelopes to the younger generation.
红包里面通常会装有现金或礼品卡。
hóng bāo lǐ miàn tōng cháng huì zhuāng yǒu xiàn jīn huò lǐ pǐn kǎ.
Red envelopes usually contain cash or gift cards.
收到红包要表示感谢，并祝长辈身体健康，万事如意。
shòu dào hóng bāo yào biǎo shì gǎn xiè, bìng zhù zhǎng bèi shēn tǐ jiàn kāng, wàn shì rú yì.
When receiving a red envelope, express gratitude and wish the elder good health and all the best.
利是 (lì shì)
lucky money
压岁钱 (yā suì qián)
New Year's money
Track your progress, master characters, and achieve your Chinese language goals.
Get Started Free
The Chinese word 红包 (hóngbāo) is a compound word consisting of two characters: 红 (hóng), meaning "red", and 包 (bāo), meaning "packet" or "envelope". The word 红包 is used to refer to a red envelope that is traditionally given during Chinese New Year and other special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays. The red color of the envelope is considered to be lucky in Chinese culture, and the money inside the envelope is meant to bring good fortune to the recipient. The tradition of giving 红包 dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), when people would give coins wrapped in red paper as a way to ward off evil spirits. Over time, the practice of giving 红包 became more widespread and the envelopes became more elaborate, often decorated with auspicious symbols and characters. Today, 红包 are an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations and are a way for people to show their appreciation and well-wishes to their loved ones.
