lì xì
Definition
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.
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.)