中秋节

• Pinyin: Zhōng qiū Jié
• Hanzi breakdown: 中 = middle; 秋 = 禾 (grain) + 火 (fire), meaning autumn; 节 = festival

Meaning

Mid-Autumn Festival. A major Chinese festival celebrating the harvest moon on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

One of the most important traditional Chinese festivals. Associated with mooncakes (月饼), moon gazing, family reunions, and the legend of Chang'e. Usually falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar.

Examples

1. 中秋节是中国最重要的传统节日之一。 Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals.
2. 每年中秋节，我们全家都会聚在一起赏月。 Every year during Mid-Autumn Festival, our whole family gathers to admire the moon.
3. 中秋节吃月饼是流传已久的习俗。 Eating mooncakes during Mid-Autumn Festival is a long-standing tradition.

Usage Guide

Context: holidays, culture, family

Tone: festive

Do Say

• 中秋节快乐！(Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!)
• 中秋节你回家吗？(Are you going home for Mid-Autumn Festival?)

Don't Say

• 中秋节日 (Redundant — 节 already means festival)

Origin & History

Compound of 中秋 (mid-autumn) and 节 (festival). The festival of mid-autumn.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal