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A2 noun #8,500 most common 8 min read

压岁钱

yasuiqian Top 8,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 压岁钱 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 压岁钱 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '压岁钱' (yā suì qián) is a special kind of money. It is given during the Chinese New Year. In China, when it is the Spring Festival, children are very happy because they get this money from their grandparents, parents, and other older relatives. The money is usually inside a red envelope. You can think of it as a 'New Year gift' in the form of cash. You use the verb 'gěi' (give) with this word. For example: 'Baba gei wo ya sui qian' (Dad gives me lucky money). It is a simple and very common word during the holidays. You should learn to say 'Happy New Year' (Xīn nián kuài lè) before you receive it!

At the A2 level, you understand that '压岁钱' is a specific noun related to the Spring Festival. You should be able to use it with a wider variety of verbs like 'shōu dào' (receive) or 'huā' (spend). You know that this money is for children and is meant to bring good luck. A typical A2 sentence would be: 'Wǒ jīntiān shōudàole hěnduō yāsuìqián' (I received a lot of lucky money today). You also start to learn about the red envelope (hóngbāo) and how the money is placed inside. You should be aware that this is a cultural tradition and not just a regular payment. It is important to know that you don't give '压岁钱' to your boss or your teacher; it is for family and close friends' children.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the traditions surrounding '压岁钱' in more detail. You should know the basic story of the 'Sui' monster and why the money is called '压岁' (to suppress the demon). You can describe your plans for the money using the 'Ba' construction: 'Wǒ bǎ yāsuìqián cún qǐláile' (I saved the lucky money). You are also becoming aware of the social expectations, such as the fact that the amount of money given should be an even number, as even numbers are considered lucky in Chinese culture. You can participate in simple conversations about how much money is 'normal' to give in different parts of China.

At the B2 level, you understand the complex social dynamics of '压岁钱'. You know it is linked to the concept of 'miànzi' (face) and social reciprocity. You can discuss how parents often 'manage' their children's money and the common jokes about parents taking the money to pay for the family's own expenses of giving to others. You can use formal verbs like 'fēnfā' (distribute) or 'zhǔnbèi' (prepare). You can also talk about the shift from physical cash to digital 'red packets' on apps like WeChat and Alipay. You are able to explain the cultural importance of the red color and the symbolism of the gift as a wish for safety and longevity.

At the C1 level, you can analyze the economic and sociological implications of '压岁钱'. You can discuss how the rising amounts of lucky money reflect China's economic growth and the pressures it places on young families during the New Year. You can use idiomatic expressions and sophisticated vocabulary to describe the 'ritual' of giving and receiving. You understand the nuances between '压岁钱' and regional terms like '利是' (lì shì). You can write essays or give presentations on how traditional practices are evolving in the digital age and the debate over whether '压岁钱' has become too commercialized or if it still holds its original spiritual meaning.

At the C2 level, you possess a deep, near-native understanding of '压岁钱'. You can discuss its historical evolution from the 'Yashuo' coins of the Han Dynasty to the modern digital era. You understand the linguistic connection between '岁' (age) and '祟' (evil spirit) and can explain the phonological origins of the term. You can engage in high-level debates about the impact of 'lucky money' on children's financial literacy and the psychological effects of family wealth distribution. You are comfortable using the term in any register, from academic papers on folklore to casual, slang-filled conversations about holiday spending. You can also compare this tradition with similar practices in other East Asian cultures with precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

压岁钱 in 30 Seconds

压岁钱 is lucky money given to children during the Chinese New Year.
It is traditionally placed inside a red envelope to symbolize good luck.
The name comes from the myth of suppressing an evil spirit named 'Sui'.
Modern versions include digital transfers through apps like WeChat.

The term 压岁钱 (yā suì qián) is a quintessential component of the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. At its most basic level, it refers to the monetary gift given by elders to children and young adults during this festive period. However, the cultural weight of this term far exceeds a simple cash transaction. The word is composed of three characters: yā (to press or suppress), suì (year/age), and qián (money). Historically, the middle character was a homophone for a demon named 'Sui' (祟), and the money was intended to 'suppress' this evil spirit to protect children from harm in the coming year.

Cultural Significance: It represents a blessing for safety, health, and academic success for the younger generation.

过年的时候，长辈会给晚辈准备压岁钱。(During the New Year, elders prepare lucky money for the younger generation.)

In modern times, while the myth of the demon Sui has faded into the background of folklore, the practice remains the most anticipated part of the New Year for children. It is traditionally presented in a bright red envelope, known as a hóngbāo. The red color symbolizes good luck and is believed to ward off negative energy. Whether it is a crisp one-hundred-yuan bill or a digital transfer via WeChat Pay, the essence remains the same: a gesture of love and protection from the family's elders.

The transition of this tradition into the 21st century has seen the rise of 'Digital Red Packets.' Even if family members are thousands of miles apart, the elder can send 压岁钱 through mobile apps, ensuring the tradition persists in a globalized world. Despite the medium, the social etiquette remains: children are expected to save the money or use it for educational purposes, though many negotiate with their parents to buy toys or video games.

Modern Context: In urban areas, the amount given has increased significantly, sometimes reaching thousands of yuan per child.

现在的孩子拿到的压岁钱比以前多得多。(Children nowadays receive much more lucky money than before.)

Using 压岁钱 correctly in a sentence requires understanding its role as a noun and its relationship with specific verbs. The most common verb used with this term is gěi (给 - to give). For example, 'Grandma gave me lucky money' is translated as '奶奶给我压岁钱.' Note that in Chinese, the recipient usually follows the verb 'give' directly before the object. Another essential verb is shōu dào (收到 - to receive), as in 'I received a lot of lucky money this year.'

Common Verb Pairings: 给 (give), 拿 (take/get), 存 (save/deposit), 花 (spend), 讨 (ask for/beg for).

我打算把今年的压岁钱都存进银行。(I plan to deposit all of this year's lucky money into the bank.)

Grammatically, 压岁钱 often appears in 'Ba' constructions when you are describing what you do with the money. For example, 'I spent the lucky money on books' would be '我把压岁钱用来买书了.' It is also common to see it modified by measure words like bǐ (笔 - a sum of) or fèn (份 - a portion). When children playfully ask for money, they might use the phrase '讨压岁钱' (tǎo yā suì qián), which implies a humorous 'begging' for the tradition.

妈妈帮我保管我的压岁钱。(Mom helps me keep my lucky money safe.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might hear the phrase '分发压岁钱' (fēn fā - to distribute lucky money), which describes the elder's action of handing out envelopes to a group of children. Conversely, a child might say '我拿到了压岁钱' (I got the lucky money), emphasizing the successful acquisition of the gift. Understanding these nuances helps in sounding more natural when discussing holiday traditions.

You will primarily hear 压岁钱 in the weeks leading up to and during the Chinese New Year. It is the 'talk of the town' in households across China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Chinese communities worldwide. In a family setting, children might be heard whispering to each other about how much they expect to receive, while parents might discuss the appropriate amount to give to their nieces, nephews, and friends' children to maintain social harmony (面子 - miàn zi).

Media Usage: News reports often analyze the 'average amount of 压岁钱' in different provinces, sparking national debates.

电视新闻正在讨论今年各地的压岁钱标准。(TV news is discussing this year's lucky money standards in various regions.)

On social media platforms like Weibo or Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu), teenagers often post photos of their red envelopes or complain about their parents 'confiscating' their 压岁钱 for 'safe-keeping' (a common trope in Chinese childhood). In shopping malls, you might hear advertisements for New Year sales specifically targeting children who have just received their lucky money, encouraging them to spend it on toys or new clothes.

孩子们在网上晒出了自己拿到的压岁钱。(Children are showing off the lucky money they received on the internet.)

Furthermore, in movies and TV dramas set during the holidays, there is almost always a scene where a child refuses the money several times out of politeness before finally accepting it—a choreographed social dance that is intrinsic to the culture. This dialogue often includes phrases like '不用，不用' (No need, no need) followed by the elder insisting '这是给孩子的' (This is for the child).

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 压岁钱 as a synonym for any money given in a red envelope. While all 压岁钱 is typically given in a 红包 (hóngbāo), not all 红包 are 压岁钱. If you give money at a wedding, it is called xǐqián (喜钱) or simply hóngbāo. Using 压岁钱 for a wedding gift would be highly confusing and technically incorrect, as it specifically refers to the New Year gift for children.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Ensure the first tone 'yā' is flat and high. Some learners confuse it with 'yá' (teeth), which changes the meaning entirely.

别把生日红包说成是压岁钱。(Don't call a birthday red envelope 'lucky money'.)

Another mistake is the social protocol surrounding the word. In Chinese culture, it is considered impolite to ask for 压岁钱 directly unless you are a very young child in a playful setting. Adults or older teenagers should wait for the elder to offer it. Additionally, failing to use the correct measure word can make your Chinese sound 'clunky.' While '一个' (yī gè) is understood, '一笔' (yī bǐ) or '一份' (yī fèn) is much more sophisticated.

当众拆开压岁钱是不礼貌的行为。(Opening lucky money in public is impolite behavior.)

Finally, learners often forget the age limit. While traditions vary by region, 压岁钱 is generally given to those who are not yet working or married. If you are a 30-year-old professional, you should not be expecting 压岁钱; in fact, you might be the one giving it to your younger relatives! Misunderstanding this age dynamic can lead to awkward social interactions during the holidays.

To truly master the vocabulary of Chinese gift-giving, it's important to compare 压岁钱 with its close relatives. The most common alternative is 红包 (hóngbāo). While 压岁钱 is a specific *type* of gift, 红包 refers to the physical red envelope itself and can be used for any occasion, including weddings, births, or even as a bribe (though the latter is illegal). In casual conversation, people often use the two interchangeably during the New Year, but '压岁钱' is more precise.

Comparison Table: 压岁钱 vs. 零花钱: The former is a holiday gift; the latter is regular allowance.

虽然都是钱，但压岁钱和零花钱的意义完全不同。(Although both are money, lucky money and pocket money have completely different meanings.)

Another related term is 过年钱 (guò nián qián), which is a more regional or dialect-influenced way of saying the same thing. In some southern parts of China, people might use the Cantonese-influenced term 利是 (lì shì). While 'lì shì' covers a broader range of 'good luck money,' it is the standard term in Hong Kong and Guangdong during the New Year. For learners, sticking to '压岁钱' is the safest bet for being understood throughout mainland China.

在广东，人们把压岁钱称为“利是”。(In Guangdong, people call lucky money 'Li Shi'.)

Lastly, consider 赏钱 (shǎng qián), an archaic term for a tip or a reward given to servants. While you won't hear this in modern daily life, you might encounter it in historical dramas. Distinguishing between these terms—the holiday blessing of 压岁钱, the versatile 红包, the regular 零花钱, and the regional 利是—will significantly elevate your cultural fluency and linguistic precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Legend says a demon named 'Sui' would touch children's heads while they slept on New Year's Eve, causing them to become ill. Parents used coins wrapped in red paper to scare the demon away.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jɑː sweɪ tʃjɛn/

US /jɑ sweɪ tʃjɛn/

Equal stress on all three syllables, but 'qian' often carries the final emphasis of the phrase.

Rhymes With

烟 (yān) 天 (tiān) 边 (biān) 先 (xiān) 联 (lián) 甜 (tián) 面 (miàn) 年 (nián)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ya' in the second tone (yá) which means teeth.
Pronouncing 'sui' as 'su' which changes the meaning entirely.
Mispronouncing 'qian' as 'kan' or 'chan'.
Using the wrong tones (should be 1-4-2).
Slurring the three characters into two.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common but 'suì' is slightly complex for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'suì' (岁) and 'qián' (钱) requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if tones are mastered.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to recognize during the New Year period.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

钱给年岁红

Learn Next

红包春节拜年恭喜发财长辈

Advanced

代际转移民俗学礼尚往来面子文化电子支付

Grammar to Know

Double Object Verbs (给)

奶奶(Subject) 给(Verb) 我(Indirect Object) 压岁钱(Direct Object)。

Ba-Construction for Disposal

我把压岁钱存了。

Bei-Construction for Passive

压岁钱被我弄丢了。

Measure Words for Money

一笔压岁钱，一百块压岁钱。

Time Phrases in Sentences

过年的时候我会收到压岁钱。

Examples by Level

爷爷给我压岁钱。

Grandpa gives me lucky money.

Subject + 给 + Indirect Object + Direct Object.

这是你的压岁钱。

This is your lucky money.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

压岁钱在红包里。

The lucky money is in the red envelope.

Location sentence with '在'.

我有压岁钱。

I have lucky money.

Possession with '有'.

谢谢奶奶的压岁钱。

Thank you for the lucky money, Grandma.

Polite expression with '谢谢'.

压岁钱是红色的。

Lucky money is red (in red envelopes).

Adjective description.

过年有压岁钱。

There is lucky money during the New Year.

Existential sentence.

我不花压岁钱。

I don't spend lucky money.

Negative sentence with '不'.

我收到了一百块压岁钱。

I received one hundred yuan of lucky money.

Verb + 了 to indicate completion.

你要怎么用你的压岁钱？

How are you going to use your lucky money?

Question with '怎么'.

爸爸帮我存压岁钱。

Dad helps me save the lucky money.

Helping verb '帮'.

我用压岁钱买了一个新玩具。

I bought a new toy with my lucky money.

Instrumental '用' meaning 'using'.

他给了我很多压岁钱。

He gave me a lot of lucky money.

Modifier '很多'.

压岁钱是给小朋友的。

Lucky money is for young children.

Purpose structure '是给...的'.

今年我没有压岁钱了。

I don't have lucky money this year anymore.

Change of state with '了'.

谁给你压岁钱？

Who gives you lucky money?

Interrogative pronoun '谁'.

压岁钱的传统已经有很久的历史了。

The tradition of lucky money has a long history.

Noun phrase as subject.

为了保护孩子，长辈会给压岁钱。

To protect children, elders give lucky money.

Purpose clause with '为了'.

我把压岁钱都交给了妈妈。

I handed all the lucky money to my mother.

Ba-construction.

虽然我长大了，但奶奶还是给我压岁钱。

Although I've grown up, Grandma still gives me lucky money.

Conjunction '虽然...但是'.

压岁钱不仅是钱，更是一份祝福。

Lucky money is not just money, but a blessing.

Correlative '不仅...更是'.

听说压岁钱可以赶走不吉利的东西。

I heard that lucky money can drive away unlucky things.

Reported speech with '听说'.

拿压岁钱的时候要说吉祥话。

When receiving lucky money, you should say auspicious words.

Time clause with '...的时候'.

我的压岁钱被父母拿去交学费了。

My lucky money was taken by my parents to pay tuition.

Passive voice with '被'.

压岁钱的金额通常取决于亲戚关系的亲疏。

The amount of lucky money usually depends on the closeness of the relationship.

Formal verb '取决于'.

发压岁钱是春节期间最重要的社交活动之一。

Giving lucky money is one of the most important social activities during the Spring Festival.

Superlative '最...之一'.

随着电子支付的普及，微信压岁钱变得很流行。

With the popularity of electronic payments, WeChat lucky money has become very popular.

Prepositional phrase '随着...'.

给多少压岁钱成了一些年轻父母的负担。

How much lucky money to give has become a burden for some young parents.

Subject clause.

有些孩子会为了压岁钱而互相攀比。

Some children compare with each other for the sake of lucky money.

Causal structure '为了...而...'.

压岁钱寄托了长辈对晚辈的殷切期望。

Lucky money embodies the earnest expectations of elders for the younger generation.

Abstract verb '寄托'.

哪怕只有一点点，压岁钱也代表了心意。

Even if it's just a little bit, lucky money represents one's feelings.

Concession '哪怕...也...'.

关于压岁钱的起源，有很多有趣的民间传说。

Regarding the origin of lucky money, there are many interesting folk legends.

Topic-comment structure.

压岁钱在某种程度上反映了当代社会的消费观。

To some extent, lucky money reflects the consumption values of contemporary society.

Adverbial phrase '在某种程度上'.

这种习俗在不同地区呈现出截然不同的形式。

This custom takes on completely different forms in different regions.

Sophisticated verb '呈现'.

压岁钱的过度攀比现象引起了社会各界的广泛关注。

The phenomenon of excessive competition over lucky money has attracted widespread attention from all sectors of society.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

从压岁钱的变迁中，我们可以窥见中国经济的发展历程。

From the changes in lucky money, we can catch a glimpse of the course of China's economic development.

Insightful verb '窥见'.

家长应引导孩子正确看待并使用压岁钱。

Parents should guide children to view and use lucky money correctly.

Coordinated verbs '看待并使用'.

压岁钱不再仅仅是物质奖励，更是一种文化传承。

Lucky money is no longer just a material reward, but a cultural heritage.

Negative correlation '不再仅仅是...更是'.

在红包文化的冲击下，传统的压岁钱形式正在发生变化。

Under the impact of red envelope culture, traditional forms of lucky money are undergoing changes.

Prepositional phrase '在...下'.

究竟给多少压岁钱才算合适，这往往让人左右为难。

Exactly how much lucky money is appropriate often leaves people in a dilemma.

Embedded question as subject.

压岁钱这一习俗，究其本质，是家族内部财富的一种代际转移。

The custom of lucky money, in its essence, is a type of intergenerational wealth transfer within the family.

Parenthetical phrase '究其本质'.

它承载着深厚的民族情感与对祖先崇拜的文化残余。

It carries deep ethnic emotions and cultural remnants of ancestor worship.

Literary verb '承载'.

在商业逻辑日益渗透的今天，压岁钱的纯粹性正经受着考验。

In today's world, where commercial logic is increasingly penetrating, the purity of lucky money is being tested.

Active-passive construction '经受着考验'.

这种仪式感的消解，或许意味着传统节庆魅力的减退。

The dissolution of this sense of ritual perhaps signifies the decline of traditional festival charm.

Abstract noun '消解'.

压岁钱在民俗学研究中占据着不可忽视的地位。

Lucky money occupies a position that cannot be ignored in folklore studies.

Fixed expression '不可忽视'.

通过对压岁钱金额的量化分析，可以揭示社会阶层的流动性。

Through quantitative analysis of lucky money amounts, the mobility of social classes can be revealed.

Formal preposition '通过对...'.

压岁钱的赋予与收受，构建了一套复杂的社会契约关系。

The granting and receiving of lucky money construct a complex set of social contract relationships.

Coordinated nouns as subjects.

尽管形式在变，但压岁钱作为亲情纽带的核心价值依然稳固。

Despite changes in form, the core value of lucky money as a bond of affection remains solid.

Concessive clause '尽管...但...'.

Synonyms

红包利是过年钱岁钱赏钱压岁金红封包压年钱

Antonyms

零花钱学费罚款债务

Common Collocations

给压岁钱

收压岁钱

存压岁钱

花压岁钱

讨压岁钱

一笔压岁钱

发压岁钱

红包压岁钱

压岁钱标准

管理压岁钱

Common Phrases

恭喜发财，红包拿来

— A playful phrase used by children to ask for money.

小孩笑着说：‘恭喜发财，红包拿来！’

压岁钱被没收

— A common joke about parents taking children's money.

我的压岁钱又被妈妈没收了。

压岁钱翻倍

— The amount of lucky money doubling.

今年表现好，压岁钱翻倍了。

压岁钱习俗

— The custom of giving lucky money.

我们要传承压岁钱习俗。

压岁钱大战

— Humorous reference to the competition of giving money.

亲戚间的压岁钱大战开始了。

压岁钱理财

— Investing or managing lucky money.

压岁钱理财成了热门话题。

数字压岁钱

— Digital versions of lucky money.

数字压岁钱越来越普遍。

压岁钱寓意

— The symbolic meaning of lucky money.

压岁钱寓意着岁岁平安。

给晚辈压岁钱

— Giving lucky money to the younger generation.

给晚辈压岁钱是传统美德。

压岁钱信封

— The envelope used for lucky money.

他在压岁钱信封上写了名字。

Often Confused With

压岁钱 vs 零花钱

Pocket money given regularly, not just for New Year.

压岁钱 vs 奖金

Bonus money for work or performance.

压岁钱 vs 小费

A tip for service, which is rare in China.

Idioms & Expressions

"岁岁平安"

— Peace year after year; related to the 'sui' in lucky money.

祝大家岁岁平安。

Greeting

"大吉大利"

— Great luck and great prosperity.

收到压岁钱，祝你大吉大利。

Greeting

"年年有余"

— Have abundance year after year.

压岁钱多得年年有余。

Greeting

"礼尚往来"

— Courtesy demands reciprocity; relevant to the social aspect.

发压岁钱也是一种礼尚往来。

Formal

"多多益善"

— The more the better.

压岁钱当然是多多益善。

Informal

"名正言顺"

— Perfectly justifiable; used when kids feel entitled to it.

过年拿压岁钱是名正言顺的。

Neutral

"后生可畏"

— The younger generation is to be admired; often said when giving it.

这些孩子拿了压岁钱，真是后生可畏。

Literary

"心想事成"

— May all your wishes come true.

拿着压岁钱，祝你心想事成。

Greeting

"招财进宝"

— Bring in wealth and treasure.

红包上印着招财进宝。

Greeting

"万事如意"

— Everything goes as you wish.

祝你新年快乐，万事如意，压岁钱多多。

Greeting

Easily Confused

压岁钱 vs 红包

Both involve red envelopes and money.

Hongbao is the container/general gift; Yasuiqian is the specific New Year gift for kids.

婚礼上给红包，过年给压岁钱。

压岁钱 vs 岁数

Contains the character 'sui'.

Suishu refers to a person's age, not money.

你多大岁数了？

压岁钱 vs 岁钱

Very similar sound.

Suiqian is an older, less common form of Yasuiqian.

岁钱是古语。

压岁钱 vs 钱袋

Both involve money and containers.

Qiandai is a wallet/purse; yasuiqian is the gift itself.

把压岁钱放进钱袋。

压岁钱 vs 利是

Same meaning.

Lishi is Cantonese; yasuiqian is Mandarin.

广东人叫利是。

Sentence Patterns

这是(someone)的压岁钱。

这是我的压岁钱。

我用压岁钱买(something)。

我用压岁钱买书。

(someone)给我(amount)压岁钱。

叔叔给我五百块压岁钱。

把压岁钱存进(place)。

把压岁钱存进银行。

压岁钱不仅是...更是...

压岁钱不仅是礼物，更是祝福。

随着...压岁钱也...

随着时代发展，压岁钱也变了。

压岁钱承载着...

压岁钱承载着家族的希望。

究其本质，压岁钱是...

究其本质，压岁钱是文化符号。

Word Family

Nouns

压岁钱

红包

利是

岁钱

Verbs

压岁

给钱

发红包

Adjectives

喜庆的

吉祥的

春节

长辈

晚辈

红包

年夜饭

How to Use It

frequency

High (Seasonal: January/February)

Common Mistakes

Using 压岁钱 for wedding gifts. → 红包 (hóngbāo) or 喜钱 (xǐqián).
Yasuiqian is strictly for New Year and for children.
Giving an odd number amount. → Even numbers (except 4).
Odd numbers are associated with funerals.
Pronouncing 'yā' as 'yá'. → yā (1st tone).
Ya2 means teeth; Ya1 means to press.
Opening it immediately. → Wait until you are alone.
Opening it in public is seen as greedy.
Calling it 'birthday money'. → 生日红包.
The 'Sui' in Yasuiqian specifically refers to the New Year transition.

Tips

Use New Bills

Always try to use crisp, new banknotes. It shows respect and the spirit of a fresh start.

Two Hands

When giving or receiving, use both hands. It's a sign of humility and politeness.

Avoid Four

Never give an amount that starts or ends with 4 (e.g., 40, 400) because it sounds like 'death'.

Don't Peek

It is considered very rude to open the envelope and count the money in front of the giver.

New Year's Eve

Giving it on New Year's Eve is traditional so the child can sleep with it under their pillow.

Reciprocity

Parents often exchange similar amounts for each other's children to keep things fair.

Greetings First

Always offer a New Year greeting before the money is exchanged.

Group Chats

In WeChat groups, sending a 'lucky draw' red packet is a fun way to distribute money.

The Demon Sui

Knowing the story of the demon Sui makes for a great conversation starter with locals.

Teaching Tool

Use this word to talk to children about saving and spending wisely.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ya' as 'Yanking' the demon away, 'Sui' as the 'Sway' of the new year, and 'Qian' as 'Cash'. Yank-Sway-Cash!

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red envelope with a giant gold '￥' sign being handed from an old hand to a young hand.

Word Web

Money Red New Year Grandparents Luck Children Envelope Tradition

Challenge

Try to explain the story of the demon 'Sui' in Chinese using the word 压岁钱 three times.

Word Origin

The term dates back to the Han Dynasty, originally called 'Yashuo Qian.' These were not real currency but tokens used to ward off evil. The modern name 'Ya Sui Qian' emerged as 'Sui' (year) and 'Sui' (demon) are homophones.

Original meaning: Money used to suppress evil spirits and ensure the safety of children.

Sino-Tibetan / Mandarin Chinese

Cultural Context

Be careful not to compare the amount of money loudly, as it can cause embarrassment to the givers.

It is similar to 'Christmas money' or 'Hanukkah gelt,' but with much stricter rules about the red packaging and social reciprocity.

The CCTV Spring Festival Gala often features skits about giving 压岁钱. The movie 'All's Well, Ends Well' depicts humorous New Year traditions. Commonly mentioned in Lu Xun's literature regarding traditional Chinese society.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Gathering

祝您长寿
谢谢爷爷
新年快乐
给您拜年

Bank

开户
存钱
理财产品
压岁钱储蓄

School

买了新文具
攒着买书
交学费
比一比

Social Media

晒红包
发视频
点赞
抢红包

Store

打折
新年新款
用压岁钱买
礼物

Conversation Starters

"你今年收到了多少压岁钱？"

"你打算怎么花你的压岁钱？"

"在你家，谁给的压岁钱最多？"

"你小时候压岁钱会被父母没收吗？"

"你觉得现在给压岁钱的数字是不是太大了？"

Journal Prompts

回忆一下你收到的第一笔压岁钱，你当时买了什么？

讨论一下压岁钱这一传统在数字时代的利与弊。

如果你是家长，你会如何帮孩子管理他们的压岁钱？

描述一次你为了讨压岁钱而进行的拜年经历。

写一写你对‘压岁钱反映了社会攀比’这一观点的看法。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, it is given by elders (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles) to the younger generation (children, students, or unmarried adults).

It depends on your relationship and local customs, but it's usually an even number like 200, 600, or 800. Avoid the number 4.

Yes, but digital 'red packets' on WeChat are becoming extremely popular, especially for people living far away.

On New Year's Eve or during the first few days of the Lunar New Year when children come to visit.

Yes, most parents give a special red envelope to their own children as a blessing.

In many cultures, especially in Southern China, you can still receive lucky money until you get married.

Yes, always say 'Xin Nian Kuai Le' (Happy New Year) or 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' (Wishing you prosperity).

No! White is associated with funerals. Always use a red envelope.

Traditionally they save it, but modern kids often use it to buy things they want or for their education.

It means to 'press down' the 'Sui' (evil spirit) or the 'Year' to ensure a smooth transition and safety.