拜年

bàinián
verb HSK 7 #49,768

Meanings

  1. 1 to pay a New Year visit; to wish someone a happy New Year

Characters

Literally 'pay respects for the New Year' — the core social ritual of Spring Festival.

Examples

Chūnjié de shíhou wǒmen qù qīnqi jiā bàinián.
During Spring Festival we visit relatives to wish them a happy New Year.
Gěi nín bàinián le! Zhù nín xīnnián kuàilè!
Happy New Year to you! Wishing you a wonderful new year!

Tips

culture
拜年 involves visiting family and friends during the first days of Chinese New Year. Children 拜年 to elders and receive 红包 (hóngbāo, red envelopes with money). Nowadays people also 拜年 via WeChat messages, though older generations consider in-person visits more sincere.

Stroke Order

bài
nián