灯笼

• Pinyin: dēng long
• Hanzi breakdown: 灯 = 火 + 丁 (fire + peg = lamp); 笼 = 竹 + 龙 (bamboo + dragon = cage/basket)

Meaning

Lantern; paper lantern. A traditional decorative light made of paper, silk, or other material stretched over a frame.

A powerful cultural symbol in China, associated with the Lantern Festival, Spring Festival, weddings, and festive gatherings. Red lanterns signify good luck and joy. Lantern riddles (灯谜) are a beloved traditional pastime.

Examples

1. 元宵节那天，街道两旁挂满了色彩鲜艳的灯笼。 On the Lantern Festival, the streets were lined with brightly colored lanterns.
2. 她亲手制作了一只红色灯笼，悬挂在门口迎接新年。 She made a red lantern by hand and hung it at the door to welcome the New Year.
3. 灯笼在中国传统文化中象征着团圆与吉祥。 In traditional Chinese culture, lanterns symbolize reunion and good fortune.

Usage Guide

Context: festivals, culture, decoration, tradition

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 节日里挂起红灯笼，寓意驱邪避祟、迎福纳祥。(Hanging red lanterns during festivals symbolises warding off evil and welcoming blessings.)
• 孩子们提着各式灯笼在夜晚游街，热闹非凡。(Children carrying various lanterns parade through the streets at night in a festive atmosphere.)

Don't Say

• 我买了一个灯笼灯 — redundant; simply use 我买了一个灯笼

Origin & History

灯 (lamp/light) + 笼 (cage/frame)

Cultural Context

Era: Han Dynasty origins

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal