放鞭炮
fàng biānpào
Set off firecrackers
放鞭炮 (fàng biānpào) is to set off firecrackers, a traditional custom often associated with Chinese New Year to welcome the new year with noise and ward off evil spirits. While historically widespread, many Chinese cities now ban or restrict setting off firecrackers.
What does 放鞭炮 (fàng biānpào) mean?
放鞭炮 (fàng biānpào) means “set off firecrackers” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “let off firecrackers.”
When to use it
Neutral. This phrase describes an action, often a festive one. When discussing the custom, it's common to mention the restrictions in many urban areas.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "fahng byen-pao." 放 falls, 鞭 is high and level, and 炮 falls.
Other ways to say it
- 燃放鞭炮ránfàng biānpàoignite/set off firecrackers (more formal)
- 禁止放鞭炮jìnzhǐ fàng biānpàoban setting off firecrackers
- 放烟花fàng yānhuāset off fireworks
Examples
春节的时候，很多人喜欢放鞭炮。
Chūnjié de shíhou, hěn duō rén xǐhuan fàng biānpào.
During the Spring Festival, many people like to set off firecrackers.
为了安全，市区禁止放鞭炮。
Wèile ānquán, shìqū jìnzhǐ fàng biānpào.
For safety, setting off firecrackers is prohibited in the city center.
小时候，我们常常在院子里放鞭炮。
Xiǎoshíhou, wǒmen chángcháng zài yuànzi li fàng biānpào.
When I was little, we often set off firecrackers in the yard.
Pro tip: While 放鞭炮 is a classic New Year image, remember that many cities have strict rules or outright bans on firecrackers due to safety and pollution concerns.
Related phrases
汤圆 · Sweet rice balls (tang yuan)年夜饭 · Reunion dinner春联 · Spring couplets
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