Red packets are one of the warmest parts of Lunar New Year. Learn who gives them, how to hand one over, and the Cantonese blessings that go with them.
If you grew up with Cantonese at home, you probably remember the moment: a relative presses a small red envelope into your hands, someone nudges you, and you know you are supposed to say something. This guide gives you the words, so that next time you can answer with confidence rather than a shy smile.
Lai see (利是, laih sih , lai6 si6) are the red envelopes of money given at Lunar New Year and on other happy occasions such as weddings. You may also hear them called hung bao (紅包, hùhng bāau , hung4 baau1). The envelope itself is a lai see fung (利是封, laih sih fūng , lai6 si6 fung1). The red colour stands for luck and good fortune, and the money inside is really a gift of good wishes.
In many Cantonese families the custom runs like this:
Married people give lai see to children and to people who are not yet married, including grown-up nephews, nieces and cousins.
Parents and grandparents give to their children and grandchildren.
Employers often give a lai see to staff, and many people give one to people who have helped them during the year.
Families differ, so if you are unsure, simply watch what your relatives do and follow their lead.
Receive the envelope with both hands, look at the person and say thank you first. Then add a New Year greeting.
多謝 ( dō jeh , do1 ze6): thank you for a gift or a favour.
新年快樂 ( sān nìhn faai lohk , san1 nin4 faai3 lok6): happy New Year.
恭喜發財 ( gūng héi faat chòih , gung1 hei2 faat3 coi4): wishing you prosperity. Everyone says this one, and it is the best phrase to learn first.
The everyday 唔該 ( m̀h gōi , m4 goi1) is also polite, but dō jeh is the natural choice for a gift.
When you hand over the envelope, you usually add a blessing. Here are three that suit almost any family.
身體健康 ( sān tái gihn hōng , san1 tai2 gin6 hong1): good health. This is the blessing most often said to grandparents and older relatives.
學業進步 ( hohk yihp jeun bouh , hok6 jip6 zeon3 bou6): progress in your studies. This one is for children and students.
萬事如意 ( maahn sih yùh yi , maan6 si6 jyu4 ji3): may everything go as you wish. It works for anyone.
Children often chase the grown-ups with a cheerful 利是逗來 ( laih sih dauh lòih , lai6 si6 dau6 loi4), which is roughly “lai see, please!” It is playful, so save it for relatives who will enjoy the joke.
Use a clean envelope and, ideally, crisp new notes.
Give an even amount. The number eight is considered lucky because it sounds like the word for prosperity, faat , while four is avoided because it sounds like the word for death.
Hand the envelope over, and take it, with both hands.
Many families open the envelope later, in private, rather than in front of the person who gave it. Follow what your own family does.
Pick two phrases, one for receiving and one for giving, and say them out loud a few times. If you can, try them with a parent or grandparent first: older relatives are usually delighted to hear a younger person using the family language, and they will happily correct your tones.
Want to see how Lunar New Year fits into the wider calendar? Read our beginner’s guide to Cantonese festivals and traditions , then practise your greetings in a short voice call with your CantonLink tutor.