What is the Chinese term for the money given in red envelopes?

The Chinese term for the money given in red envelopes is yāsuìqián (压岁钱). The expression literally means “money to ward off old age” or “suppress the years,” linking the gift to protection and growing older safely.

Yāsuìqián is especially associated with Chinese New Year, when elders give money to children and younger unmarried relatives. The red envelope itself is called hóngbāo (红包), so hóngbāo names the packet, not specifically the cash inside it. Lìshì (利是) is another term for a lucky monetary gift, particularly common in southern China and Cantonese-speaking communities.

The custom is tied to New Year legends about protecting children from harmful spirits, including the feared figure Sui. Red symbolizes good fortune and is also used widely in festive decoration. Traditional etiquette often favors crisp notes and avoids amounts associated with funerals; even-numbered sums are generally preferred, while four is avoided because its pronunciation resembles “death.”

Today, the tradition extends beyond physical packets. Digital red packets became a major feature of Chinese messaging platforms, especially after WeChat introduced them in 2014, allowing users to send festive cash gifts instantly to individuals or groups.