Definition

1. Noun:

   • Lucky money / Red envelope: A small, often red, envelope containing money that is given as a gift, especially during the Lunar New Year (Tết) and other celebratory occasions like weddings or birthdays. It symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and blessings from the giver to the receiver.

2. Verb (colloquial):

   • To give lucky money: The act of presenting a "lì xì" envelope to someone, typically a child or younger person, as a gesture of goodwill and auspicious wishes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Trẻ con rất thích được nhận lì xì vào dịp Tết. (Children love receiving lucky money during Tet.)
  • Ông bà chuẩn bị những phong lì xì đỏ cho các cháu. (The grandparents prepared red lucky money envelopes for their grandchildren.)

• Verb:

  • Mọi người thường lì xì cho trẻ em với lời chúc năm mới. (People often give lucky money to children with New Year's wishes.)

Advanced Usage

• The envelope itself is sometimes called "phong bao lì xì" (lucky money envelope). The color red is dominant as it is considered auspicious and wards off evil spirits.
• The act of giving "lì xì" is deeply cultural, representing the transfer of good fortune and the fulfillment of social and familial obligations.

Variants and Related Words

• Tiền mừng tuổi (n): Another common term for "lucky money" given specifically for age celebration, especially at New Year.
  • Tiền mừng tuổi cũng giống như lì xì. (Age-celebration money is similar to lucky money.)

Synonyms

• Lucky money: The most direct translation for the cash gift.
• Red envelope: Refers to the physical container, common in other Asian cultures like Chinese "hóngbāo".

Related Cultural Concepts

• Mừng tuổi: To celebrate someone's new age, often accompanied by giving "lì xì".

  • Người lớn mừng tuổi trẻ em bằng phong bao lì xì. (Adults celebrate the children's new age with red envelopes.)

• Lời chúc may mắn: Accompanying lucky wishes given when presenting the "lì xì".

  • Lì xì thường đi kèm với những lời chúc may mắn và sức khỏe. (Lucky money is often accompanied by wishes for luck and health.)