红包
hóng bāo
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.
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
- 利是lì shìred envelope (Cantonese, common in Southern China/HK)
- 压岁钱yā suì qiánNew Year's money (specifically for children)
- 红包袋hóng bāo dàired envelope (emphasizing the physical envelope)
Examples
过年的时候，长辈会给小孩红包。
guò nián de shí hòu ， zhǎng bèi huì gěi xiǎo hái hóng bāo 。
During Chinese New Year, elders give red envelopes to children.
婚礼上，我们会送新人红包。
hūn lǐ shàng ， wǒ men huì sòng xīn rén hóng bāo 。
At weddings, we give red envelopes to the newlyweds.
这个红包里有多少钱？
zhè ge hóng bāo lǐ yǒu duō shǎo 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
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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