Chinese New Year: Traditions, Vocabulary, and Greetings
Key Traditions
Chinese New Year (春节, chūnjié) is a family-centered holiday. Key traditions include 团圆饭 (tuányuán fàn) the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, 红包 (hóngbāo) red envelopes with money given to children, 放鞭炮 (fàng biānpào) setting off firecrackers, and 贴春联 (tiē chūnlián) posting red couplets on doorframes.
Essential Vocabulary
春节 (chūnjié) Spring Festival, 除夕 (chúxī) New Year's Eve, 拜年 (bàinián) pay New Year's visits, 压岁钱 (yāsuìqián) lucky money, 饺子 (jiǎozi) dumplings (northern tradition), 年糕 (niángāo) sticky rice cake, 舞龙 (wǔlóng) dragon dance, 灯笼 (dēnglong) lantern.
New Year Greetings
新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè) Happy New Year. 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) Wishing you prosperity — the most iconic greeting. 万事如意 (wànshì rúyì) May everything go as you wish. 身体健康 (shēntǐ jiànkāng) Wishing you good health — especially appropriate for elders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chinese New Year? ▼
Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so the date changes each year, falling between January 21 and February 20. The celebration lasts 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
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