ChinaIntermediate
Explaining Chinese New Year in English
Everyday English for explaining Chinese New Year. Key line: “*Kids* get *red* *envelopes*, and everyone visits *relatives*.”
Full script
Lin
Want the quick version of our New Year?
Them
Sure. Is it mostly food, or am I guessing wrong?
Lin
Both, really. We eat a big dinner and stay up late.
Them
So it's family, food, and no bedtime? I'm listening.
Lin
Kids get red envelopes, and everyone visits relatives.
Them
Okay, that sounds amazing. Do adults get envelopes too?
Lin
Usually not, unless you're very lucky or acting twelve.
Them
Got it. I'll show up with full twelve-year-old energy.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
short
✓ Want the quick version of...?Want the quick version of...?
Ask if they want the short version first
stay up
✓ stay up latestay up late
Fixed phrase: use 'up' before late
red packet
✓ red envelopesred packet
Common when talking about New Year
relatives
✓ visit relativesvisit relatives
'visit' is often followed by people
Quick answers
short: what to say in English
Say “Want the quick version of...?” — want the quick version of. Ask if they want the short version first.
stay up: what to say in English
Say “stay up late” — stay up late. Fixed phrase: use 'up' before late.
red packet: what to say in English
Say “red envelopes” — red packet. Common when talking about New Year.
relatives: what to say in English
Say “visit relatives” — visit relatives. 'visit' is often followed by people.