压岁钱 yāsuìqián New Year money for children
money given to children as a gift on Chinese New Year's Eve
How to remember 压岁钱: 压 press + 岁 years + 钱 money = New Year money for children.
Characters
How it is used
- The lucky money given to children at Chinese New Year, tucked in a red envelope - 收压岁钱 (shōu yāsuìqián) receive New Year's money.
- Note 压 is read yā here (to press down); folk etymology ties it to warding off the 祟 (suì) demon.
- The red envelope itself is 红包 (hóngbāo); 压岁钱 is specifically the New-Year cash for kids.