What is the Chinese term for the red envelope?

The Chinese term for a red envelope is Hóngbāo (红包).

Hóngbāo literally means “red packet” or “red envelope.” During Chinese New Year, older family members, employers, and married adults commonly give these packets containing money to children, relatives, employees, or service workers. The red color symbolizes good fortune, vitality, and protection from misfortune.

A related term, lìshì (利是 or 利事), is especially common in Cantonese-speaking regions and can refer to the lucky money or the red packet itself. In Mandarin-speaking contexts, hóngbāo is the most familiar general term. Fēngbāo is not the standard name for this custom, and yuánbǎo refers to an old boat-shaped ingot of gold or silver, not a New Year envelope.

The custom has also moved online. Digital hóngbāo became popular through Chinese messaging and payment platforms, allowing users to send money electronically during holiday gatherings. Traditional etiquette emphasizes auspicious amounts and giving with good wishes, while numbers associated with bad luck may be avoided.