红包

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

含义

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.

例句

1. 过年的时候，长辈会给孩子们发红包。
2. 她在微信群里发了一个红包。
3. 参加朋友的婚礼要准备红包。

用法指南

语境: festivals, social, digital

语气: festive

正确说法

• 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?)

错误说法

• 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)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal