拜年 bàinián to pay a New Year call
to pay a New Year call; to wish somebody a Happy New Year
How to remember 拜年: 拜 to bow + 年 year = to pay a New Year call.
Characters
How it is used
- To pay a Lunar New Year visit and give good wishes - 给长辈拜年 (gěi zhǎngbèi bàinián) wish one's elders a happy New Year, 上门拜年 (shàngmén bàinián) call on someone for New Year.
- A separable verb tied to Spring Festival custom; children traditionally 拜年 to elders and receive 红包 (hóngbāo).
- Culturally specific; the 拜 (bow) reflects the ritual courtesy.