If you’ve just started learning Chinese, you may have wondered at some point, “How do I say sorry in Chinese?” Indeed, it’s vital to learn how to say sorry in Chinese culture, and any culture for that matter. We’re all human, and we all tend to make mistakes in the long journey of life, both small and large, and a fitting apology is almost always desired afterwards. This is when we need to say the “magic word” to make everything right again. Apologizing is the key to harmony in a relationship, as it can help you move past many unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.

There are different ways of how to say sorry in the Chinese language. As a language learner who just set sail for Chinese, this article will help you get a sense of the unique way native Chinese people apologize. After you master the art of apologizing in Chinese with this article, you’ll never have to worry about not knowing what to say when you make forgivable mistakes! What are you waiting for? Let’s delve into how to give an apology in Chinese Mandarin. Start with a bonus, and download your FREE cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Chinese Skills! (Logged-In Member Only)

1. The Most Important Apologizing Words
2. How to Take the Blame
3. Expressions for Formal and Business Situations
4. Condolences
5. Other Expressions
6. How to respond
7. Conclusion

1. The Most Important Apologizing Words

First things first! Here are some of the most common ways to apologize in Chinese, with some grammar explanations to make things clearer for you. This includes how to say “sorry” and “excuse me” in Chinese, which are two phrases you definitely will want to know!

• In Chinese: 对不起。
  Pinyin: dui bu qǐ
  In English: Sorry

The origin of this phrase is very interesting. Ancient Chinese people liked to showcase their knowledge by using couplets, which is a traditional form of art in the Chinese language. However, it’s often difficult to complete the pair. So, in order to express that they weren’t as knowledgeable as the person they were speaking to, people would say 对不起, which meant they weren’t able to complete the couplet. Later, it spread and become a popular way to apologize.

Now, you can use 对不起 for a simple sincere apology. But keep in mind that it also indicates that you owe someone for what you did, so be careful when you use it, as it can be seen as a strong word. It’s best suited for an occasion where you feel the need to own up to your mistake and desire forgiveness in return. To make it even more formal, you can add the subjective and objective, such as in: 我对不起你 (wǒ duì bu qǐ nǐ), meaning “I am sorry to you.”

• In Chinese: 抱歉。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn
  In English: I am sorry (I hold my apology).

Compared to 对不起, 抱歉 is a lighter way to say I’m sorry in Chinese than the degree of apology that 对不起 entails. If there’s something you strongly feel sorry about and you feel desperate to express your apology, don’t use 抱歉 as it’s not sufficient to express your emotion in this context. 抱 literally means “hold,” and 歉 means “apology.” The whole word conveys a sense of guilt and regret, so if you ever feel bad about something and want to express it, this word is a good fit.

• In Chinese: 不好意思。
  Pinyin: bù hǎo yì sī
  In English: Excuse me.

The literal meaning of 不好意思 is “feeling embarrassed or shy,” which indicates an even lighter degree of apology compared to 抱歉. For things that aren’t as significant or that you don’t personally feel extremely bad about, feel free to use this phrase to politely show your apology for the little inconvenience you caused, such as being late.

Sometimes Chinese people also use it for expressing their shy or awkward feelings. For example, when people feel too flattered and thus are embarrassed by a compliment, they might say 你说的我都不好意思了(nǐ shuō de wǒ dōu bù hǎo yì sī le), meaning “You are making me feel embarrassed.”

Additional note: You can also add 真 before any of the three phrases above. It means “really,” which adds a sincerity to the apology.

2. How to Take the Blame

• In Chinese: 我错了。
  Pinyin: wǒ cuò le
  In English: It is my fault.

This can be used both seriously and casually. In a serious situation, it emphasizes the fact that you’re willing to admit your mistakes. You can also repeat it to comfort someone who’s unsatisfied or irritated by something trivial you did, usually with people you’re close with.

• In Chinese: 是我不好。
  Pinyin: shì wǒ bù hǎo
  In English: It is my bad.

You can bravely admit your mistake by saying this. This is a neutral expression as well, which suits both serious and casual situations. You may want to add 原谅我吧 (yuán liàng wǒ ba), meaning “please forgive me,” right after to make your apology sound more genuine.

• In Chinese: 责任全在我/是我的责任。
  Pinyin: zé rèn quán zài wǒ /shì wǒ de zé rèn
  In English: All the responsibility lies on me/It is all my responsibility.

This is a powerful expression for owning up to all the responsibility for something you’ve done. Essentially, this puts all of the blame on yourself.

• In Chinese: 要怪就怪我吧。
  Pinyin: yào guài jiù guài wǒ ba
  In English: If you have to blame someone, blame me.

If there’s an embarrassing situation where someone has to own up to his/her mistake for the sake of a group, and you want to be the one who takes the fall, this is the right phrase to use. Usually, you need to add some good explanation right after in order to support the reason why you should be the one to take the blame. It’s sometimes good to be the one who admits the mistake, because everyone else may dearly appreciate your sacrifice for turning the embarrassment into a better atmosphere.

3. Expressions for Formal and Business Situations

You’ll find this section extremely helpful and relevant if you’ve ever wondered how to say phrases like “Sorry I’m late,” in Chinese. Let’s take a look at the most common formal and business Chinese apologies.

• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，麻烦你了。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐmá fán nǐ le
  In English: I am sorry to trouble you.
• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，我今天不能去了。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐ, wǒ jīn tiān bú néng qù le
  In English: I am sorry that I won’t make it today.
• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，我要先走一步。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐ, wǒ yào xiān zǒu yī bù
  In English: Sorry, I have to go.
• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，我来晚了。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐ, wǒ lái wǎn le
  In English: Sorry that I am late.
• In Chinese: 不好意思/抱歉，借过一下可以吗？
  Pinyin: bú hǎo yì sī / bào qiàn，jiè guò yī xià kě yǐ ma
  In English: Sorry, do you mind stepping aside?

For the phrases mentioned above, you can use different forms of “sorry” depending on the degree of importance regarding the specific event, and the part after the comma conveys different situations. Please feel free to substitute the phrase, keeping in mind that 对不起 indicates the strongest degree of apology, and 抱歉 is the second strongest one. 不好意思 indicates the least degree of apology of the three. You can always add some additional explanation after saying sorry, to make your situation more clear so that people can better understand your apology.

• In Chinese: 打扰一下，请问发生什么了？
  Pinyin: dǎ rǎo yī xià, qǐng wèn fā shēng shén me le
  In English: Excuse me, what happened?

Although “Excuse me” in English indicates a sorry feeling, in Chinese it literally means “allow me to disturb you,” where 打扰 means “to disturb.”

4. Condolences

• In Chinese: 很抱歉听到这个消息。
  Pinyin: hěn bào qiàn tīng dào zhè gè xiāo xī
  In English: I am sorry to hear that.

When learning how to say “I am sorry to hear that” in Chinese, you can now entail what we learned earlier. 抱歉, in this sentence, is used to express some specific event that you feel sorry about. You can also substitute 听到这个消息 meaning “to hear the news,” with many other things that you want to express your sadness about. This also goes for “I am sorry that…”.

• In Chinese: 节哀顺变。
  Pinyin: jiē āi shùn biàn
  In English: I am so sorry for your loss.

Learning how to say “sorry for your loss” in Chinese may be one of the most important phrases you can master, and can be the difference between clearly expressing your sorrow for a loved one—or failing to. This is an old traditional phrase for comforting people who lost someone dear to them. 节哀 means “repress sadness,” and 顺变 means “let go of the accident and change.”

5. Other Expressions

• In Chinese: 我向你赔礼道歉。
  Pinyin: wǒ xiàng nǐ péi lǐ dào qiàn
  In English: Let me apologize to you.

赔礼 represents the action of compensating a formality for apologizing, which suggests a serious situation. When you use it, it may require some physical performance to fully express the apology, such as a bow or treating the person to a meal.

• In Chinese: 你能原谅我吗？
  Pinyin: nǐ néng yuán liàng wǒ ma
  In English: Will you forgive me?

This phrase conveys a powerful desire for forgiveness, which is usually used for a fault that’s caused by a very serious condition.

• In Chinese: 你别生气啊。
  Pinyin: nǐ bié shēng qì a
  In English: Don’t be mad.

This can be used for both serious and casual occasions when apologizing. Whenever a sentence-final interjection such as 啊 is included, the sentence is usually not as formal or serious, and indicates a softer expression.

• In Chinese: 我不是故意的。
  Pinyin: wǒ bú shì gù yì de
  In English: I didn’t do it on purpose.

You can definitely use this phrase for self-defense for an act you didn’t intentionally commit. It’s usually added right after a “sorry” phrase.

• In Chinese: 你别怪我啊。
  Pinyin: nǐ bié guài wǒ a
  In English: Please don’t blame me.

怪 can mean different things depending on the situation. For example, for an adjective it can mean “weird” or “strange.” Please keep in mind that it’s used as a verb meaning “blame” here.

6. How to respond

• In Chinese: 没关系。
  Pinyin: méi guān xi
  In English: It’s fine.
• In Chinese: 没事。
  Pinyin: méi shì
  In English: It’s okay.
• In Chinese: 没什么大不了的。
  Pinyin: méi shén me dà bú liǎo de
  In English: It is no big deal.
• In Chinese: 这有什么的。
  Pinyin: zhè yǒu shén me de
  In English: That is nothing.
• In Chinese: 别放在心上。
  Pinyin: bié fàng zài xīn shàng
  In English: Don’t mind it.

7. Conclusion

Are you gaining more confidence after learning all the expressions along with the explicit explanations provided? It’s not as difficult as you thought, as long as you come to the right teacher and source to study Chinese!

Fortunately, here at ChineseClass101.com, you can find just this. Here, you’ll be able to obtain a delightful learning experience and acquire the best resources to help you speak Chinese like a native. What are you waiting for? Come visit us right now!

In the meantime, be sure to continue practicing these various ways of how to say “I am sorry” in the Chinese language. You’ll get the hang of it in no time!

Each year, the Chinese celebrate the age-old Double Ninth Festival, which is sometimes referred to as the Chongyang Festival or Senior Day. Few Chinese holidays reach as far back into history as this one does, with origins in the Han Dynasty. Further, the Double Ninth Festival reflects many of the values and beliefs most dear to the Chinese people, such as respect for ancestors and the elderly.

In this article, you’ll learn all about the Double Ninth Festival in Chinese culture, including its most notable traditions. As any successful language-learner can tell you, understanding a country’s culture is a vital step in mastering the language. And at ChineseClass101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative, including this one!

1. What is the Double Ninth Festival?

The Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang) originated from ancient times, as early as the Han Dynasty, when people celebrated the autumn harvest for the year. Essentially, the Double Ninth Festival is a day for Chinese people to avoid bad luck (we’ll explain how later) and to show respect and honor toward one’s ancestors.

According to the Double Ninth Festival story, there was once a man who was warned about danger to his village. He listened to the warning, escaped into the mountains, and thus survived the village catastrophe. This explains the focus on ascending heights to avoid ill fortune.

2. When is the Double Ninth Festival?

The date of Double Ninth Day is on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, hence its name. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.

• 2019: October 7
• 2020: October 25
• 2021: October 14
• 2022: October 4
• 2023: October 23
• 2024: October 11
• 2025: October 29
• 2026: October 18
• 2027: October 8
• 2028: October 26

3. Double Ninth Festival Celebrations & Traditions

During the crisp autumn days, what interesting celebrations do people hold? Well, Double Ninth Festival traditions are many.

Traditionally, the customs of the Double Ninth Festival include ascending heights, enjoying chrysanthemums, and drinking. “Ascending heights” is an elegant way to say hiking. In many northern areas, autumn is the best time to be outdoors, with clear skies and crisp air. Hence, many people choose to go out, hike, and enjoy the views.

At the Double Ninth Festival, people not only ascend heights, but also eat Chongyang cake. In Chinese, “cake” (gao) is a homonym of “height” (gao), which has an auspicious sense of rising step-by-step.

The chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity and is one of the most popular flowers in China. There has long been a tradition of enjoying chrysanthemums at the Double Ninth Festival. Hence, the Double Ninth Festival is also called the Chrysanthemum Festival. In fact, the whole ninth lunar month is the month of chrysanthemums. Many flower markets and botanical gardens hold chrysanthemum exhibitions one after another, attracting tourists to enjoy and take photos.

At the Double Ninth Festival, people drink chrysanthemum wine, which is made from chrysanthemums and glutinous rice. It’s said that chrysanthemum wine can protect eyesight and prevent aging. If you like drinking, you may want to try it.

In recent years, the Double Ninth Festival has also been called the Elderly Festival since, in Chinese, “nine” is a homonym of “long,” which represents long life. Thus, people usually commemorate their ancestors or organize activities to show respect to the elderly on this day. For example, many primary schools and middle schools take students to work as volunteers in nursing homes, and some medical centers also offer free health consultations to the elderly.

4. Why is it Called Chongyang?

Why do we call Double Ninth Day Chongyang in Chinese?

In ancient China, numbers were subdivided into two opposing types: Yin (feminine) and Yang (masculine). Since nine is a Yang number and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month has two Yang numbers, it is called Chong (double) Yang.

5. Essential Vocabulary for the Double Ninth Festival

Here’s the essential vocabulary you need to know for the Chinese Double Ninth Festival!

• 菊花 (júhuā) — chrysanthemum
• 登高 (dēnggāo) — climb a mountain
• 郊游 (jiāoyóu) — picnic
• 风筝 (fēngzhēng) — kite
• 香 (xiāng) — incense
• 菊花酒 (júhuā jiǔ) — chrysanthemum wine
• 重阳糕 (Chóngyáng gāo) — Chung Yeung rice cake
• 久 (jiǔ) — long time
• 祭祖 (jìzǔ) — pay respect at ancestors’ grave
• 九月九 (jiǔyuè jiǔ) — the ninth day of the ninth lunar month
• 重阳节 (Chóngyáng jié) — Double Ninth Festival

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and accompanied by relevant images, check out our Double Ninth Festival vocabulary list!

How ChineseClass101 Can Help You Master Chinese

What are your thoughts on the Double Ninth Festival in China? Is there any similar holiday in your country? Let us know in the comments; we always look forward to hearing from you.

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With two important festivals celebrated on the same day, no wonder this day bustles with colored flags fluttering and is full of excitement! What are the activities involved in this celebration, and who was Mao Zedong?

Let’s take a look at these two festivals to help you better understand the Chinese culture as a whole. After all, sound cultural knowledge is one of the most important steps in mastering a language. And at ChineseClass101.com, we hope to make this learning journey both fun and informative!

1. What are CPC Founding Day & Hong Kong’s Return Anniversary?

July 1 is the anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China.

In July, 1921, communist organizations from different areas of China sent their representatives to Shanghai to hold the First Congress of the Chinese Communist Party and declared the establishment of the CCP. Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist Party of China, suggested setting July 1 as the anniversary of the CCP’s “birthday,” which is usually called the “Party’s Birthday.”

Also, July 1 is the anniversary of the Return of Hong Kong, commonly known as the “Ninety Seven Return,” (or “the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong,” or “Hong Kong handover“), and mainland China refers to this day as Hong Kong returning to its motherland.

These all refer to the historical event when the United Kingdom handed the sovereignty of Hong Kong back to the People’s Republic of China. This Hong Kong return to China is one of the most significant aspects of China’s history.

What was the Cultural Revolution in China?

The Cultural Revolution in China largely had to do with promoting Maoism and finding ways to preserve Chinese communism. So, when was the Cultural Revolution in China?

Beginning in 1966, the end of the Cultural Revolution in China was in 1976. In 1976, Deng Xiaoping worked with reformers to undue much of the Maoist policies within the Party.

2. CPC Founding Day & Hong Kong Return Anniversary Date

Each year, the Chinese observe CPC Founding Day and Anniversary of the Return of Hong Kong on July 1.

3. Reading Practice: How is CPC Day Celebrated?

How does China celebrate these two events? Read the Simplified Chinese text below to find out, and find the English translation directly below it.

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这一节日虽然政治气氛浓厚，由于举国上下共同庆祝的气氛的烘托，也成为中国节日文化的一部分。这一天，电视台会播放大型庆祝晚会。也会有许多回顾建党历史的纪录片、电视剧等影视作品接连上映，带领人们重温历史，展望未来。

“一国两制”是一个在中国的电视新闻上出现频率颇高的词汇，即”一个国家，两种制度”。意思是在一个中国的前提下，香港、澳门作为特别行政区保持原有的制度和生活方式长期不变。”一国两制”是前中国领导人邓小平为了实现中国统一的目标而创造、提出的方针。

—

Although July 1 originated from political events, the celebrations across the whole country have made it part of China’s holiday culture. On July 1, a celebratory evening party is broadcast on TV. Documentaries, films, and TV series regarding the CCP will also be on show to tell people about the past and to draw pictures of the future.

Yi Guo Liang Zhi is a phrase that frequently appears in TV news, and it means “one country, two political systems.” Hong Kong and Macao are special administrative regions where their established system can be retained under a high degree of autonomy for a certain period. It is a principle originally proposed by China’s former leader Deng Xiaoping for the unification of China.

4. How Long is the Holiday?

How long is the holiday for these two events?

Despite being of great significance, July 1 is not a public holiday with days off. CCP members even need to attend meetings on July 1 and report their ideological work.

5. Useful Vocabulary for these Two Chinese Holidays

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for CPC Founding Day in China!

• 政党 (zhèngdǎng) — political party
• 毛泽东 (Máo Zédōng) — Mao Zedong
• 邓小平 (Dèng Xiǎopíng) — Deng Xiaoping
• 文化大革命 (Wénhuà Dà Gémìng) — Cultural Revolution
• 纪念 (jìniàn) — commemoration
• 共产主义 (gòngchǎn zhǔyì) — communism
• 共产党 (Gòngchǎn Dǎng) — Communist Party of China
• 马列主义 (Mǎ Liè Zhǔyì) — Marxism-Leninism
• 社会主义 (Shèhuì Zhǔyì) — Socialism
• 解放 (jiěfàng) — liberate
• 建党节 (jiàndǎng jié) — CPC Founding Day

To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our CPC Founding Day vocabulary list.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed learning about CPC Founding Day and the Anniversary of the Return of Hong Kong with us! Did you learn anything new? Let us know in the comments!

To continue learning about Chinese culture and the language, visit us at ChineseClass101.com and create a free account! We provide fun and effective learning tools for every learner, including free Chinese vocabulary lists and more insightful blog posts like this one. You can also begin using our online community forums, and with a Premium Plus account, you can start learning Chinese one-on-one with your own personal teacher using our MyTeacher program!

Know that your hard work will soon reap benefits, and you’ll be speaking, reading, and writing Chinese like a native before you know it!

One of China’s most popular holidays around the world is the Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival seeks to commemorate the suicide of Qu Yuan, a heroic poet. While a bit dark, the Dragon Boat Festival history is a unique facet of Chinese culture as a whole.

At ChineseClass101.com, we hope to make learning Chinese both fun and informative, especially when it comes to the culture and the history behind it. Any successful language learner can tell you that this is a vital step in mastering a language.

That said, we hope you enjoy learning about the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival with us!

1. What is the Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival is a Chinese traditional festival to commemorate a hero named Qu Yuan.

Qu Yuan was a politician and poet who lived two thousand years ago. He had been a court official in the State of Chu. He was very loyal, but the King believed the words of the treacherous instead and exiled him. Feeling humiliated, he jumped into a river on May 5 to end his life. It is said that people missed him greatly after his death. They began boating on the same river and this activity gradually evolved into Dragon Boat racing.

2. When is Dragon Boat Festival?

So, when is the Dragon Boat Festival?

Each year, China celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date on the Gregorian calendar for the next ten years.

• 2019: June 7
• 2020: June 25
• 2021: June 14
• 2022: June 3
• 2023: June 22
• 2024: June 10
• 2025: May 31
• 2026: June 19
• 2027: June 9
• 2028: May 28

3. Reading Practice: Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Traditions

How do the Chinese celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival? Read the Simplified Chinese below to learn about Chinese Dragon Boat Festival traditions (including Dragon Boat Festival food!), and find the English translation directly below it.

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说到赛龙舟，这是一项非常受欢迎的传统竞技。龙舟就是小船，赛龙舟就是划船比赛。比赛的时候，每个穿上安排25名船员，由其中一人指挥，2人敲鼓，其他人齐心协力，力争最快划到终点。赛龙舟最吸引人的是它热闹的气氛，龙舟上鼓声震天，喊声不绝；两岸围观的观众也络绎不绝。

而在端午节一定要吃的食物当然是粽子了。传说屈原跳江后，人们不忍心他的躯体被江河里的鱼虾吃掉，便做了很多带馅儿的团子撒到水里喂鱼——这就是粽子的由来。那么粽子是什么样的呢？最里面是枣、豆沙等做成的馅儿，由浸泡好的糯米包裹，最外面再包上粽子叶。煮好以后剥掉粽子叶，蘸白糖吃。

古时候人们认为端午节这天在家门口悬挂艾叶能避邪气。现代科学发现，艾叶的确能起到杀菌消毒、预防瘟疫流行的作用。

—

The dragon boat race is a very popular tradition. Dragon boats are small boats, and the dragon boat race is a boating race. There are twenty-five members on each boat: one in command, two playing the drums, and the rest making rigorous efforts to be the fastest to reach the finish line. What attracts people most is the atmosphere of the race. On the dragon boat, the drums sound like thunder, and the crew members’ shouts are never-ending. On both sides of the river bank is an endless stream of spectators.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, you must not miss out on eating rice dumplings. Legend says that after Qu Yuan jumped into the river, people didn’t want his body to be eaten by river fish; they made many dumplings with fillings and threw them into the river to feed the fish. This is the origin of the rice dumpling. So, what does a rice dumpling look like? Fillings such as jujube, red bean paste, or others are put inside soaked glutinous rice, and the rice is wrapped in bamboo leaves. After boiling, you can peel off the leaves and dip the rice dumplings in sugar to eat them.

In ancient times, people believed that hanging wormwood leaves on the door of their home could keep evil away. Modern science has found that wormwood leaves can sterilize and prevent plague infection.

4. How Traditions Relate to Qu Yuan

Which customs in the Dragon Boat Festival (China) commemorate Qu Yuan?

The Dragon Boat Festival itself is a festival to commemorate Qu Yuan. The customs related to Qu Yuan include the dragon boat race and eating rice dumplings.

5. Useful Vocabulary for the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival!

• 端午节 (Duānwǔ Jié) — Dragon Boat Festival
• 屈原 (Qū Yuán) — Qu Yuan
• 龙舟赛 (lóngzhōu sài) — dragon boat race
• 龙舟 (lóngzhōu) — dragon boat
• 糯米 (nuòmǐ) — glutinous rice
• 锣鼓 (luó gǔ) — gongs and drums
• 雄黄酒 (xiónghuáng jiǔ) — realgar wine
• 粽 (zòng) — rice dumpling stuffed with meat
• 划龙舟 (huá lóngzhōu) — row a dragon boat
• 甜粽 (tiánzòng) — sweet rice dumpling

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, check out our Chinese Dragon Boat Festival vocabulary list. Here, each word is accompanied by an audio file of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

What do you think of the Dragon Boat Festival in China? Does your country have a similar holiday or festival? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about the culture in China and the Chinese language, visit us at ChineseClass101.com! It’s our aim to make learning Chinese both fun and informative, and to ensure that every learner can master the language. We offer an array of useful learning tools, from insightful blog posts like this one to free Chinese vocabulary lists. You can also discuss lessons with fellow Chinese learners on our community forum, and upgrade to Premium Plus to take advantage of our MyTeacher program!

We hope you took away something valuable from this lesson, and that you feel more knowledgeable about this facet of Chinese culture. Know that your hard work will pay off, and you’ll be speaking Chinese like a native before you know it!

Why is it important to celebrate Youth Day?

The May Fourth Movement in China was one of the most significant events in Chinese history, when university students in 1919 stood up and spoke out about unfair treaties at the Paris Peace Conference. This began anti-imperialism and patriotism in China, and marked the beginning of the New Democratic Revolution in China.

It’s no wonder that China places such value on its youth. They made an important stand in the past, and can do so in the future, thus earning their May 4th holiday. During Golden Week, China makes sure to honor its youth on this day.

At ChineseClass101.com, we hope to make your learning experience both fun and informative as we delve into this defining characteristic of Chinese culture: Youth Day in China during the Chinese Golden Week holiday season.

1. What is Chinese Youth Day?

In China, the Golden Week holiday Youth Day is used to commemorate the May Fourth Movement on May 4, 1919, which raised the flag of anti-imperialism and patriotism in China.

In China’s modern history, the May Fourth Movement has great significance, so Youth Day is accompanied by profound historical influence. On May 1, 1919, students from universities in Beijing organized a massive protest against unequal treaties signed by the government at the Paris Peace Conference. This movement marked the beginning of the New Democratic Revolution in China.

Though almost a century has passed since the May Fourth Movement, its spirit of patriotism, progress, democracy, and science is still advocated in contemporary China. “May Fourth” has become a cultural symbol and “May Fourth Youth” symbolize the patriotic youth.

2. When is Youth Day?

Each year, Chinese Youth Day is celebrated on May 4. Young people in China have a half-day off to celebrate this public holiday.

3. Reading Practice: How is Youth Day Celebrated?

How is Youth Day celebrated in China? Read the simplified Chinese text below to find out (and find the English translation directly below it).

—

如今在五四青年节期间，中国各地都会举行丰富多采的纪念活动，学校和单位里的”共青团”会组织青年们集中进行社会志愿和社会实践活动，比如去敬老院服务一天，十字路口帮助交通协管员维护交通秩序之类的。还有许多高中在青年节期间为即将毕业的高三生举行成人仪式，也叫作”成人冠礼”。

近年各大高校校园内刮起一股”民国风”，许多大学生在五四这一天身穿当年流行的民国学生制服

—

Today, there are various activities of celebration on Youth Day. The Youth Leagues will organize young people to participate in social activities, such as volunteering in nursing homes or helping traffic coordinators maintain traffic order. Many high schools will hold a coming of age ceremony called “Guan Li” for junior students who are graduating shortly after the Youth Day.

In recent years, the Republican style has become prevalent in universities. Many university students wear the student uniforms of those during the time of the Republic of China, as a way of celebration.

4. Additional Information: What is Youth?

So, Youth Day in China sounds like a great holiday. But who are able to participate in the half-day off? What is the legal definition of youth in China?

On Youth Day, China focuses on people between age fourteen and age twenty-eight. More than 300-million young people can have a half-day holiday on May 4.

5. Must-know Vocab

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for Youth Day in China!

• 鲁迅 (Lǔ Xùn) — Lu Xun
• 五四运动 (Wǔsì Yùndòng) — May Fourth Movement
• 革命 (gémìng) — revolution
• 纪念 (jìniàn) — commemoration
• 爱国主义 (àiguó zhǔyì) — patriotism
• 五四青年节 (Wǔsìqīngniánjié) — Youth Day
• 成人仪式 (chéngrén yíshì) — come of age ceremony
• 五一长假 (Wǔyī chángjià) — Golden Week
• 传统 (chuántǒng) — tradition
• 游行 (yóuxíng) — demonstration

To hear each of these words pronounced, check out our Chinese Youth Day vocabulary list, where you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio file of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

What do you think of China’s Youth Day? Does your country hold a celebration dedicated to its youth? Let us know in the comments!

To learn even more about the culture in China and the language, visit us at ChineseClass101.com. From insightful blog posts to free vocabulary lists, and even an online community where you can discuss lessons with fellow students, there’s something here for every Chinese learner! You can also take advantage of our MyTeacher program with a Premium Plus account, to learn Chinese one-on-one with your own personal teacher.

Until next time, best wishes on your Chinese language-learning journey. Your determination, hard work, and practice will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking like a native! And ChineseClass101.com will be here every step of your way there.

The Chinese Qingming Festival is one of the most significant, culturally rich holidays in the country. Essentially, this day is reserved for honoring one’s filial piety by paying respect to deceased family and ancestors. As the holiday’s other name—Tomb Sweeping Day—indicates, people visit the graves of their ancestors to clean them and burn incense as a show of respect.

By learning about the Tomb Sweeping holiday China celebrates each year, you’re opening up your eyes to Chinese culture and providing yourself a firmer foundation for your language-learning. At ChineseClass101.com, we hope to make this learning experience both fun and insightful! Learn more about the Qingming Festival in China with us!

1. What is the Qingming Festival?

Tomb Sweeping Day is a day for worshipping ancestors. This is an important aspect of Chinese culture, and the China Tomb Sweeping Day holiday is reserved just for this. Chinese people travel (sometimes long distances) to clean the graves of their ancestors, as well as burn incense and special joss paper. This early spring holiday is a strong representation of the Chinese value of filial piety.

Learn more Qingming Festival facts below!

2. When is the Chinese Qingming Festival?

Each year, the Qingming Festival is typically celebrated on April 4 or 5, though sometimes it takes place on April 6. Though the date doesn’t vary too much from year to year, we’ll still provide you with an outline of this holiday’s date for the next ten years:

• 2019: April 5
• 2020: April 4
• 2021: April 4
• 2022: April 5
• 2023: April 5
• 2024: April 4
• 2025: April 4
• 2026: April 6
• 2027: April 5
• 2028: April 4

3. Reading Practice: How is the Qingming Festival Celebrated?

How is the Qingming Festival celebrated? Read the Chinese text below to find out (you can find the English translation directly below it).

—
富裕的家庭会在祖先的墓碑前 上香，但你也会看到许多人在街边烧纸钱。 纸钱 是烧给逝者的一些仿造的纸币，人们相信辞世的祖先在阴间也需要花钱。近年来，商家的想象力也变得 格外 丰富。你会看到各式各样的新式”纸钱”:有纸张做的美女、别墅、甚至麻将之类的东西，随着iPhone的流行，最近竟然还有纸质的iPhone 贩卖。
中国素有红白喜事，”红”指结婚，而”白”就是指亲人的离世了。人的生死是大事，尤其在重视家庭传统的中国。销售花圈、寿衣以及扫墓相关商品的”殡葬业”，这几年频频被媒体指摘为暴利行业。

踏青也是清明节的一项传统。踏青，又叫春游。四月份春回大地，到处呈现一派生机勃勃的景象，正是郊游的好时光。而放风筝也是清明时节人们所喜爱的活动。人们不仅白天放，夜间也放。这个节日中既有思念逝去亲人的悲伤，又有踏青游玩的欢笑声，是一个非常独特的节日。现在越来越多的人选择骨灰处理的方式，买。。。。

—

Wealthy families will burn incense in front of their ancestors’ tombs. Also you can see many people burning joss paper along the streets. Joss paper is a kind of fake money made to be burned for the deceased, as people believe that their deceased ancestors need money in the underworld. In recent years, the market for joss paper has become particularly creative. You can see various new shapes of joss paper such as paper beauties, paper houses, even paper Mahjong pieces. Joss paper versions of iPhones are also being sold these days because iPhones are so popular.
In China, there is a well-known saying: “wear red or white.” “Red” refers to getting married and “white” means the passing away of relatives. Birth and death are important events in peoples’ lives, especially in China, where family is greatly valued. In recent years, the “funeral industry” that sells wreaths, grave shrouds, and other related goods for sweeping tombs, has been frequently criticized as engaging in profiteering by the mass media.
Going out during the Tomb Sweeping Festival is also a tradition. It is also called the Spring Outing. In April, with the return of spring, lively and vibrant scenes are everywhere, making it a great time for an outing. Flying kites is a popular activity for the Tomb Sweeping Festival. People fly kites both at night and during the day. The sorrow of missing loved ones who have passed and happiness from the outing combines in this festival, making it very special.

4. Additional Information

There are many traditional taboos for the Tomb Sweeping Festival. For example, people should avoid fire, using needles, and washing clothes on that day; in most regions, women should avoid walking. However, people rarely observe these traditions in modern times.

Also note that people can take three days off for the Tomb Sweeping Festival. Unless it’s Spring Festival, National Day, or Labor Day, people can only take one day off for all the other national holidays in China. From this, you can see the importance of the Tomb Sweeping Festival.

One of the most common Qingming Festival foods is sweet green rice balls, a favorite for this holiday. These are prepared in advance, to free up the actual holiday for the traditional activities.

5. Must-know Vocab

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for the Qingming Festival in China!

• 重要性 (zhòngyàoxìng) — importance
• 国庆节 (Guóqìng jié) — national day
• 劳动节 (láodòng jié) — labor day
• 贩卖 (fànmài) — to sell
• 行路 (xínglù) — walking on the road
• 刻意 (kèyì) — deliberately
• 红白喜事 (hóngbái xǐshì) — weddings and funerals
• 格外 (géwài) — extraordinary
• 忌 (jì) — to avoid
• 上香 (shàngxiāng) — to burn incense
• 祭祖 (jìzǔ) — to worship ancestors
• 烧香 (shāoxiāng) — burning incense
• 纸钱 (zhǐqián) — paper money
• 踏青 (tàqīng) — outing
• 清明节 (qīngmíng jié) — Qingming festival
• 扫墓 (sǎomù) — grave-sweeping
• 殡葬业 (bìnzàng yè) — funeral industry
• 暴利 (bàolì) — excessive profit
• 指摘 (zhǐzhāi) — accusation
• 生机勃勃 (shēngjībóbó) — vibrant

You can check out this lesson on the Tomb Sweeping Festival to hear each word pronounced. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

What do you think about the Qingming Festival in China? Is there a similar holiday in your own country? Let us know in the comments!

We hope you enjoyed learning about China’s Tomb Sweeping Day with us. If so, you can visit us at ChineseClass101.com for more information on Chinese culture and the Chinese language. We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and on online community to discuss lessons with fellow Chinese learners. You can also upgrade to Premium Plus to take advantage of a one-on-one learning experience with our MyTeacher program!

Know that your hard will pay off, and with enough practice and determination, you’ll be speaking Chinese like a native before you know it! We wish you the best in your language-learning journey.

International Women’s Day, as you likely know, is celebrated in numerous countries around the world. China is one of these many countries observing Women’s Day, and in particular women’s rights in China.

Learn more about International Women’s Day in China to get a better understanding of the Chinese culture and history of its women. At ChineseClass101.com, we hope to make learning about Chinese Women’s Day both exciting and insightful. So let’s get started!

1. What is Women’s Day in China?

International Women’s Day in China, also called the “Three Eight Women’s Day,” is a celebration of women’s economic, political, and social achievements. Sometimes it is called “Three Eight” for short. Now, let’s look at China’s Women’s Day!

2. When is International Women’s Day?

The first International Women’s Day was observed in the U.S. In 1911, more than 140 female workers from a textile factory in New York initiated a protest against unequal rights of women workers, but unfortunately died in a fire at the factory thereafter.

To commemorate this protest and protect women’s rights, the United Nations declared March 8 as International Women’s Day. China began its celebration of this day in 1949, and women enjoy a half-day off on March 8.

3. Reading Practice: How is it Celebrated?

Learn how the Chinese celebrate International Women’s Day across the country by reading the Chinese text below. You can find the English translation directly below it.

—–

中国是个多民族的国家，一些少数民族也有自己的妇女节，其日期、风俗活动各不相同，十分独特有趣。比如，云南的纳西族，把农历七月二十五定为”女神节”。这天，成年男女都穿着节日盛装，举行隆重的祭祀女神仪式，然后阖家团坐，享受丰盛的野餐。青年男女还要绕山走一圈，载歌载舞，结交知心朋友。
而云南的哈尼族人则庆祝”姑娘节” ，这一天主要是纪念古时为反对父母包办婚姻而跳崖自尽的姑娘悠玛，以示尊重妇女和婚姻自由。此外，农历五月初四是甘肃藏族的”女儿节”。这天，姑娘们由自己的亲兄弟陪同，穿上艳丽的节日服装，带上美味食品，白天上山采花对歌，晚上同小伙子互相敬酒，祝福幸福和吉祥。

—–
China is a country with different ethnic groups. Some have their own Women’s Day, of which the dates and customs vary, with unique and interesting characteristics. For example, the Nakhi people in Yunnan celebrate the “Goddess Festival” on the twenty-fifth of the seventh lunar month. Adult men and women dress up in costumes, holding a grand ceremony to worship the goddess. Then, family members sit together to enjoy a picnic. Besides this, young men and women walk around the mountain, dancing, singing, and making friends.

To commemorate a girl named Youma who committed suicide by jumping off a cliff in protest against a marriage arranged by her parents, the Hani people in Yunnan celebrate “Girl’s Day” to show respect for women and the freedom of marriage. The fourth day of the fifth lunar month is “Daughter’s Day” for Tibetans in Gansu. During the day, young girls are accompanied by their brothers, dressing up in colorful costumes and bringing delicious food, picking flowers on the mountain and singing to each other; in the evening, young girls and boys toast each other with blessings of happiness.

4. Additional Information

Beyond a half-day holiday, many companies, particularly state-owned companies, will give various gifts to female employees, such as a bathroom set, beauty kits, portable travel bags, and so on. Some also organize activities like get-togethers for female employees—take for example the women’s march in China.

Further, please note that while the day is called the “Three Eighth,” “Three Eight” is a pejorative term describing women who like to gossip or are stupid. You should be cautious with this word, because it is very offensive.

5. Must-know Vocab

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for International Women’s Day in China!

• 康乃馨 (kāngnǎixīn) — carnation
• 女士 (nǚ shì) — lady
• 国际劳动妇女节 (guójì láodòng fùnǚ jié) — International Women’s Day
• 巾帼 (jīn guó) — woman
• 女性权益 (nǚxìng quányì) — women’s rights
• 男女平等 (nánnǚ píngděng) — the equality of men and women
• 时尚 (shí shàng) — fashion
• 妩媚 (wǔ mèi) — charming
• 养颜 (yǎng yán) — beauty
• 美容 (měi róng) — cosmetology
• 永葆青春 (Yǒng bǎo qīngchūn) — eternal youth

If you want to hear each vocabulary word pronounced, visit our Chinese International Women’s Day vocabulary list. Here you’ll find each word accompanied with an audio of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

As you can see, Women’s Day in China is an important holiday for the country. Does your country celebrate International Women’s Day, or another holiday celebrating and respecting women? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about Chinese culture and the language, visit us at ChineseClass101.com! We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community to discuss lessons with fellow Chinese learners. You can also check out our MyTeacher program if you’re interested in learning Chinese with your own personal teacher.

We hope you enjoyed learning about how China celebrates International Women’s Day. Keep delving into the Chinese culture and continue your hard work—it will pay off!

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Chinese could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Chinese partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At ChineseClass101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Chinese lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Chinese dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
4. Chinese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
5. Chinese Quotes about Love
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Chinese Faster?

Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your Chinese love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Chinese word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Chinese date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

• 你愿意和我一起出去吃晚饭吗？
• Nǐ yuànyì hé wǒ yīqǐ chūqù chī wǎnfàn ma?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Chinese is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

• 这个周末你有空吗？
• Zhège zhōumò nǐ yǒu kòng ma?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

• 你愿意和我一起出去吗？
• Nǐ yuànyì hé wǒ yīqǐ chūqù ma?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

• 我们明天什么时候见面？
• Wǒmen míngtiān shénme shíhou jiànmiàn?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

• 我们在哪见面？
• Wǒmen zài nǎ jiànmiàn?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

• 你看上去很棒。
• Nǐ kàn shàngqù hěn bàng.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

• 你真可爱。
• Nǐ zhēn kě’ài.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

• 你觉得这个地方怎么样？
• Nǐ juéde zhège dìfāng zěnme yàng?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your Chinese language skills!

Can I see you again?

• 我可以再见到你吗？
• Wǒ kěyǐ zài jiàndào nǐ ma?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

• 我们去别的地方好吗？
• Wǒmen qù biédì dìfāng hǎoma?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

• 我知道一个好地方。
• Wǒ zhīdào yīgè hǎo dìfāng.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

• 我会开车送你回家。
• Wǒ huì kāichē sòng nǐ huí jiā.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

• 那是一个很棒的夜晚。
• Nà shì yīgè hěn bàng de yèwǎn.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

• 我什么时候能再见到你？
• Wǒ shénme shíhou néng zàijiàn dào nǐ?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

• 我会给你打电话。
• Wǒ huì gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the Chinese phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Chinese below!

museum

• 博物馆
• bówù guǎn

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

candlelit dinner

• 烛光晚餐
• zhúguāng wǎncān

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

• 去动物园
• qù dòngwùyuán

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

• 长时间散步
• chángshíjiān sànbù

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

• 去看歌剧
• qù kàn gējù

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

go to the aquarium

• 去水族馆
• qù shuǐzúguǎn

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

• 在海滩上散步
• zài hǎitān shàng sànbù

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

• 野餐
• yě cān

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

• 一起做饭
• yīqǐ zuòfàn

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

• 吃晚饭，看电影
• chī wǎnfàn, kàn diànyǐng

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Chinese – think how impressed your date will be!

4. Chinese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Chinese yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Chinese? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Chinese love on this special day!

I love you.

• 我爱你。
• Wǒ ài nǐ.

Saying ‘I love you’ in Chinese carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

You’re so beautiful.

• 你真漂亮。
• Nǐ zhēn piàoliang.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Chinese, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

You’re so handsome.

• 你好帅。
• Nǐ hǎo shuài .

Ladies, this phrase lets your Chinese love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

• 我喜欢你。
• Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ .

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

• 你让我想变得更好。
• Nǐ ràng wǒ xiǎng biàn de gènghǎo .

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Chinese girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

• 让所有你做的事都充满爱。
• Ràng suǒyǒu nǐ zuò de shì dōu chōngmǎn ài .

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

• 你是我的阳光，我的爱。
• Nǐ shì wǒ de yángguāng, wǒ de ài.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

• 无法用言语来形容我对你的爱。
• Wúfǎ yòng yányǔ lái xíngróng wǒ duì nǐ de ài.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

• 我们是命中注定要在一起。
• Wǒmen shì mìngzhōng zhùdìng yào zài yìqǐ .

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

• 如果你读这篇文章时想着某个人，你一定是恋爱了。
• Rúguǒ nǐ dú zhè piān wénzhāng shí xiǎngzhe mǒu gèrén , nǐ yídìng shì liànài le .

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

Will you be my Valentine?

• 你愿意与我共度情人节吗？
• Nǐ yuànyì yǔ wǒ gòngdù Qíngrénjié ma ?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

• 爱情就是爱情，常理无法解释。
• Àiqíng jiù shì àiqíng , chánglǐ wúfǎ jiěshì .

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You mean so much to me.

• 你对我而言如此重要。
• Nǐ duì wǒ éryán rúcǐ zhòngyào .

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

I think of you as more than a friend.

• 我认为你不仅仅只是一个朋友。
• Wǒ rènwéi nǐ bù jǐnjǐn zhǐ shì yí gè péngyǒu.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Chinese dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

• 一百颗心也不足以承载我对你的爱。
• Yìbǎi kē xīn yě bù zúyǐ chéngzài wǒ duì nǐ de ài .

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

5. Chinese Quotes about Love

You’re a love champ! You and your Chinese lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Chinese that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your Chinese lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Chinese custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Chinese faster?

Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. ChineseClass101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Chinese language.

Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Chinese Faster!

1- Being in a love relationship with your Chinese speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
ChineseClass101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Chinese, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Chinese even faster.

2- Having your Chinese romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Chinese language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

3- A supportive Chinese lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Chinese partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

Three Reasons Why ChineseClass101 helps you learn Chinese Even Faster when you’re In Love

Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Chinese is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at ChineseClass101 is translated into both English and Chinese. So, while your partner can help you learn Chinese faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Chinese Culture
At ChineseClass101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in China. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Chinese partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Chinese Phrases
You now have access to ChineseClass101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Chinese soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

As opposed to the Gregorian New Year, the Chinese celebrate the Lunar New Year. This involves an array of Chinese New Year celebrations which are unique to the Chinese culture. By learning more about the Chinese New Year, you’re not only giving yourself a foothold in learning the language, but you’re showing respect for the country.

Learn more about Chinese New Year traditions, along with other Chinese New Year facts, with ChineseClass101.com!

1. What is Chinese New Year’s?

The Chinese New Year is considered the most important festival in China. The last night of the lunar year is called 除夕 (chúxī), which means New Year’s Eve, and is usually celebrated within the family. On some occasions you may also hear the phrase 小除夕（xiǎo Chúxī）meaning a “small New Year’s eve,” and it refers to an evening that people usually spend with different family members and friends.

These two eves are celebrated with different family members or friends. The very beginning of the new lunar year is called 大年初一 (Dànián chūyī) which means “the first day of the year.” The first full moon, which takes place during the first month on the fifteenth day, is when the Lantern Festival or 元宵节 (Yuánxiāojié) is held, and between the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, every day has different customs and practices.

2. When is the Chinese New Year?

The Gregorian date of this holiday varies each year based on the Chinese lunar calendar. For your convenience, here’s a list of the Chinese New Year’s dates for the next ten years.

• 2019: February 5
• 2020: January 25
• 2021: February 12
• 2022: February 1
• 2023: January 22
• 2024: February 10
• 2025: January 29
• 2026: February 17
• 2027: February 6
• 2028: January 26

3. How is it Celebrated?

Before New Year’s Eve, many things must be taken care of properly. First and foremost, the whole family should be involved in 扫房 (sǎo fáng), which means “spring cleaning.” The Chinese, as well as many other people, regard the new year as a new beginning. Thus, it’s important to sweep and cleanse the house of everything that happened the past year for a better beginning.

Once the rooms have been cleaned, people attach spring couplets written on red paper to doors and windows to create a fiery sea that’s very joyful. Red is the color Chinese people like to use the most in their big events to wish for good omens.

On New Year’s Eve, many Chinese people will turn on their television set to watch a five-hour-long program that is colloquially called the Spring Night or 春节晚会 (Chūn Jié wǎnhuì). Not only does the Spring Night show have songs, dances, and magic, it also features crosstalk performances, skits, and other typical Chinese performances. Nearly half the people in China usually watch this program.

What children look forward to the most is, of course, receiving New Year’s money, called 红包 (hóngbāo). This literally means “red packets,” because their elders will normally put money into red envelopes and give them out as presents.

However, for young people, the Spring Festival is also a stressful festival. At the dinner table they will often be asked questions by their nosy elders, who ask frustrating questions like “Are you dating someone?”, “Which company do you work at?”, and “How much do you earn in a year?”

4. Additional Information

1- Superstitions about Luck

During the Spring Festival, you are not supposed to say anything unlucky. For example, when a pair of chopsticks drops to the floor while eating Chinese New Year food, you cannot say, 筷子掉了 (kuàizi diàole), which means “oh, they fell.” People have a superstition that saying this phrase may cause the good luck of the new year to also “fall” away.

Instead, you can say 筷落 (kuài luò), which means the same thing but sounds similar to “be happy” in Chinese .

2- Chinese New Year Animals

You may be familiar with the Chinese New Year animals, or the Chinese zodiac. There are twelve animal zodiacs, each one associated with a year as part of a twelve-year cycle. Each new year is the year of one of these animals. For instance, the 2019 Chinese New Year will be the year of the Pig.

By looking at the year you were born, you can determine which Chinese zodiac represents you. This can be a fun activity for learning more about your personality.

5. Must-know Vocab

In order to fully understand the Chinese New Year celebrations, there’s some vocab you should know. Here’s a list of the most important words.

• 烟花 (yānhuā) — firework
• 舞狮 (wǔshī) — lion dance
• 庆祝 (qìngzhù) — celebration
• 倒计时 (dào jìshí) — countdown
• 对联 (duìlián) — couplet
• 花市 (huāshì) — flowermarket
• 财神 (Cái Shén) — God of Wealth
• 年宵 (niánxiāo) — Lunar New Year Fair
• 拜年 (bàinián) — pay someone a visit during the Chinese New Year
• 红包 (hóngbāo) — the red envelope
• 团圆饭 (tuányuán fàn) — reunion dinner
• 年糕 (niángāo) — rice cake
• 萝卜糕 (luóbo gāo) — turnip cake
• 春节 (Chūn Jié) — Lunar New Year

If you want to hear these vocabulary words said aloud, be sure to check out our Chinese New Year vocabulary list. Here, you’ll find an audio with each word’s pronunciation.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! The Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, traditions, and even its date for the next ten years. We hope you enjoyed learning about this significant Chinese holiday and that you’re to take on Chinese New Year celebrations yourself!

What do you think about the Chinese New Year traditions? How do you celebrate the New Year in your home country? Let us know in the comments!

To learn even more about China’s culture and traditions, visit us at ChineseClass101.com. We offer an array insightful blog posts, vocabulary lists on various topics, and even an online community where you can discuss lessons with fellow Chinese learners. By downloading our MyTeacher app, you can even have access to a personal teacher if you prefer a one-on-one learning experience.

We wish you the best in learning Chinese, and hope you have a happy Chinese New Year!

Learning about Chinese holidays is one of the best ways to really dig into the country’s culture, which is necessary for optimal language learning. Today we’ll be looking at one of the more traditional Chinese holidays, the Laba Festival (also called the Chinese Laba Rice Porridge Festival).

We’ll be going over what makes the Laba Festival special, including the Chinese porridge they call Laba porridge (or Laba congee) and the celebration’s history. Find out all you need to know about The Laba Rice Porridge Festival on ChineseClass101.com, from its significance to vocabulary you should know!

1. Why Should You Know About The Laba Rice Porridge Festival?

The Laba Rice Porridge Festival (or simply the Laba Festival) in China, though not actually a Chinese national holiday, is a fascinating occasion rooted in Buddhism, one of China’s most popular religions. By learning about the origins and customs of this day, you’ll also be gaining much insight into the heart of China’s people and the significance of its history.

Essentially, this holiday is the remembrance of when the Buddha first became Enlightened, a moment in the history of Buddhism that is, of course, of great importance. Learn more about the Laba Festival and its place as one of the most popular Chinese holidays and celebrations.

2. What is The Laba Rice Porridge Festival?

The Laba Festival is an important day for the Chinese people, and its name stems from the day on which it takes place—the eighth day of the twelfth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, or Là bā in Chinese.

This traditional Chinese holiday is largely held in commemoration of when Sakyamuni became the Buddha after his Enlightenment. As Buddhism has a fairly strong presence in China today, this is a significant moment in history for Chinese Buddhists.

Like most ancient Chinese holidays and celebrations, this is a day of tradition mixed with more modern interpretation. Even though this isn’t a Chinese national holiday, the tradition of making laba rice porridge and offering it to ancestors remains strong. We’ll talk more about this traditional Chinese dish below.

3. When is it?

The Laba Rice Porridge Festival takes place on the eighth day of the twelfth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. It’s from this that the holiday gets its name, as the day is translated Là bā in the Chinese language. On the Gregorian calendar, this typically takes place sometime in January, though sometimes it takes place in December (as it will in 2023).

For your convenience, here’s a quick list of the approximate date of this holiday for the next ten years:

• 2019: January 13
• 2020: January 2
• 2021: January 20
• 2022: January 8
• 2023: December 30
• 2024: January 18
• 2025: January 7
• 2026: January 26
• 2027: January 15
• 2028: January 4

4. How is it celebrated?

Eating is one of the most important (and most looked forward to!) parts of any holiday, no matter where you are.

As the name suggests, during The Laba Porridge Festival, people make a special porridge called 腊八粥 (làbāzhōu) or Laba congee. This dish takes a long time to make, and preparation for it begins the night before the holiday; cooking starts at midnight, and it’s not ready until that morning.

This is an elaborate porridge, containing a variety of grain, fruit, and vegetable (eight types to be exact, which is why some people also call it “eight treasure congee”). Common ingredients are various types of nuts, prunes, and a Southeast Asian fruit called 桂圆 (guìyuán), or longan. This dish is known to promote good health, due to its fantastic nutritional value.

Not only do the Chinese people eat this porridge themselves, but they first offer it as a sacrifice to their ancestors. In fact, Beijing Laba Congee is an even more elaborate dish, containing twenty ingredients—each one specially picked to ensure high quality so as to please the ancestors it will be offered to.

In the past, it was also custom for those of higher status to offer this porridge to the poor and to monks.

1- Fun Fact

It’s considered 好兆头 (hǎo zhàotou), or a good sign, for there to be Laba porridge left over. This signifies that there will be prosperity among the family who has the leftover porridge. Some people even put this porridge on trees to ensure a plentiful harvest.

5. Must-Know Vocab for The Laba Rice Porridge Festival

Now that you know more about this interesting Chinese holiday, let’s look at some important vocabulary to help you better understand and celebrate it!

• 佛教 (Fó Jiào) — Buddhism
• 桂圆 (guìyuán) — Longan (a fruit found in Southeast Asia)
• 腊月 (làyuè) — Month 12 of the Chinese lunar calendar
• 腊八 (Là bā) — Day 8 of the Chinese lunar calendar’s twelfth month
• 粥 (zhōu) — Porridge
• 岳飞 (Yuè Fēi) — Yue Fei (an ancient Chinese military general)
• 蒜 (suàn) — Garlic
• 好兆头 (hǎo zhàotou) — Good sign
• 白米 (báimǐ) — White rice
• 红枣 (hóng zǎo) — Dried red jujube
• 莲子 (liánzǐ) — Lotus seed

To hear the pronunciations of these words, check out our Chinese Laba Rice Festival word list where you can hear audio recordings of each one.

Conclusion

We hope that this article provided you with all the info you need to celebrate the Laba Porridge Festival in China. What do you think is the most interesting part of this holiday? Is there a similar holiday in your home country?

If you want to learn even more about Chinese culture, be sure to visit us on ChineseClass101.com. We provide language learners with a wide array of helpful tools, from vocabulary lists to insightful blog posts. And if you want to get one-on-one training as you master Chinese, be sure to check out our MyTeacher app!

Have fun celebrating The Laba Porridge Festival, and be sure to stay tuned for more articles on Chinese holidays so that you can enjoy all of the traditional Chinese holidays!

We wish you success in your language-learning journey, and meaningful fun during your visit to China.