红包

• Pinyin: hóng bāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 红 = 纟(silk) + 工 (work, phonetic) — the colour red, associated with silk dyeing; 包 = 勹 (wrap) + 巳 (fetus) — wrapping something up

Meaning

Red envelope; red packet. A monetary gift enclosed in a red envelope, given during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations.

A deeply cultural concept in China. Red envelopes are given during Chinese New Year, weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. In the digital age, 微信红包 (WeChat red packets) have become enormously popular for sending money via mobile. The amount inside carries cultural significance — even numbers are preferred, and certain numbers like 8 are considered lucky.

Examples

1. 过年的时候，长辈会给孩子们发红包。 During the New Year, elders give children red envelopes.
2. 她在微信群里发了一个红包。 She sent a red packet in the WeChat group.
3. 参加朋友的婚礼要准备红包。 You need to prepare a red envelope for attending a friend's wedding.

Usage Guide

Context: festivals, social, digital

Tone: festive

Do Say

• 新年快乐，给你一个红包！(Happy New Year — here's a red envelope for you!)
• 谁在群里发了红包？(Who sent a red packet in the group chat?)

Don't Say

• 我给老师一个红包让他给我高分 (Don't describe using 红包 as a bribe — in proper usage, 红包 are gifts for celebrations, not for gaining favours)

Origin & History

红 (hóng, red) + 包 (bāo, package/envelope) — literally 'red package,' originating from the tradition of wrapping monetary gifts in red paper for good luck.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal