平安夜
Píng'ānyè
Christmas eve
平安夜 (Píng'ānyè) is Christmas Eve. The name literally means "peaceful night," inspired by the carol "Silent Night." In China, it's a popular custom for friends to exchange apples on this evening, as 苹果 (píngguǒ, apple) sounds similar to 平安 (píng'ān, safe and peaceful). These special gift apples are often called 平安果.
What does 平安夜 (Píng'ānyè) mean?
平安夜 (Píng'ānyè) means “christmas eve” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “peaceful night.”
When to use it
Neutral and commonly used. While Christmas Eve is a Western holiday, 平安夜 has a unique cultural twist in China: friends often exchange "peace apples," or 平安果, because the word for apple, 苹果, sounds like "peaceful" (平安).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “PING-ahn-YEH.” 平 rises (second tone), 安 is high and flat (first tone), and 夜 falls sharply (fourth tone).
Other ways to say it
- 平安果píng'ānguǒ"peace apple" – a gift apple given on Christmas Eve
- 圣诞节shèngdànjiéChristmas Day
- 圣诞快乐shèngdàn kuàilèMerry Christmas
Examples
平安夜，我们互送平安果吧！
Píng'ānyè, wǒmen hùsòng píng'ānguǒ ba!
On Christmas Eve, let's exchange peace apples!
祝大家平安夜快乐！
zhù dàjiā Píng'ānyè kuàilè!
Wishing everyone a happy Christmas Eve!
圣诞节的前一天就是平安夜。
shèngdànjié de qián yì tiān jiùshì Píng'ānyè.
The day before Christmas Day is Christmas Eve.
Pro tip: The Chinese tradition of giving apples on 平安夜 comes from the similar sound of 苹果 (píngguǒ, apple) and 平安 (píng'ān, peaceful).
Related phrases
圣诞节 · Christmas圣诞老人 · Santa claus圣诞树 · Christmas tree
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