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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'lunar calendar' with 农历 (nónglì)

    Time Expressions

    Structure

    农历 + Time Expression

    Explanation

    农历 (nónglì) means 'lunar calendar,' referring to the traditional Chinese calendar based on the cycles of the moon. It is used when talking about traditional holidays and dates, such as Chinese New Year, which follow the lunar rather than the solar calendar. For example, 农历新年 means 'Lunar New Year.'

    Examples

    • 农历新年快到了，你打算怎么过？

      Nónglì xīnnián kuài dào le, nǐ dǎsuàn zěnme guò?

      The Lunar New Year is coming soon; how do you plan to celebrate?

    • 我奶奶的生日是农历三月初五。

      Wǒ nǎinai de shēngrì shì nónglì sān yuè chū wǔ.

      My grandmother's birthday is the fifth day of the third month on the lunar calendar.

    • 很多传统节日都是按农历来算的。

      Hěn duō chuántǒng jiérì dōu shì àn nónglì lái suàn de.

      Many traditional festivals are calculated according to the lunar calendar.

    Expressing 'lunar calendar' with 农历 (nónglì) | Chinese Grammar