红包
hóngbāo
Red envelope · trad. 紅包
红包 (hóngbāo) is a red envelope containing money, traditionally given as a gift during important occasions like Chinese New Year, weddings, and birthdays. It symbolizes good luck, blessings, and prosperity.
What does 红包 (hóngbāo) mean?
红包 (hóngbāo) means “red envelope” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “red packet / red bag.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely understood. It's a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. When giving, people often say auspicious phrases like 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái, 'wishing you prosperity'). When receiving, a simple 谢谢 (xièxie, 'thank you') is appropriate.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “HONG-baow.” The first syllable '红' is a rising tone, and the second syllable '包' is a flat tone.
Other ways to say it
- 压岁钱yāsuìqiánNew Year's money (specifically for children)
- 红包袋hóngbāodàired envelope (emphasizing the physical envelope)
Examples
过年的时候，长辈会给小孩红包。
guònián de shíhou, zhǎngbèi huì gěi xiǎohái hóngbāo.
During Chinese New Year, elders give red envelopes to children.
婚礼上，我们会送新人红包。
hūnlǐ shàng, wǒmen huì sòng xīnrén hóngbāo.
At weddings, we give red envelopes to the newlyweds.
这个红包里有多少钱？
zhège hóngbāo lǐ yǒu duōshao qián?
How much money is in this red envelope?
Pro tip: It's considered impolite to open a red envelope immediately after receiving it, especially in front of the giver. Wait until later to open it. Also, always use crisp, new banknotes inside.
Related phrases
生日 · Birthday常用成语 · Useful idioms很好 · Very good
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