ChinaBeginner
Explaining Chinese New Year in English (beginner)
Beginner English for explaining Chinese New Year. Key line: “Can I *tell* you about *Chinese* *New* *Year*?”
Full script
Lin
Can I tell you about Chinese New Year?
Them
Sure. Is it your biggest holiday?
Lin
Yes, we eat, travel, and see family.
Them
Nice. Like a big family party?
Lin
Yes, and kids get red envelopes with money.
Them
Wait, kids get money? I like this.
Lin
We also say good luck for the new year.
Them
Great. I want noodles and a red envelope.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Start
✓ Can I tell you about Chinese New Year?Polite way to start a topic
Ask first. More natural.
Major holiday
✓ It’s our biggest holiday.Use for an important holiday.
Common for holiday intros
Red envelope
✓ Kids get red envelopes with money.What children receive at New Year
red envelope = money in a red packet
Good luck
✓ We say good luck for the new year.New Year wish
Not: good lucky
Quick answers
Start: what to say in English
Say “Can I tell you about Chinese New Year?” — polite way to start a topic. Ask first. More natural.
Major holiday: what to say in English
Say “It’s our biggest holiday.” — use for an important holiday. Common for holiday intros.
Red envelope: what to say in English
Say “Kids get red envelopes with money.” — what children receive at New Year. red envelope = money in a red packet.
Good luck: what to say in English
Say “We say good luck for the new year.” — new Year wish. Not: good lucky.