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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to celebrate New Year' with 过年 (guònián)

    Actions & Events
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    过年 + Activity

    Explanation

    过年 (guònián) means "to celebrate the New Year" and specifically refers to the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). It encompasses all the traditions associated with ringing in the lunar new year, including family reunions, feasts, and giving red envelopes. It is one of the most culturally significant expressions in Chinese.

    Examples

    • 你今年回家过年吗？

      Nǐ jīnnián huíjiā guònián ma?

      Are you going home for the New Year this year?

    • 小时候过年是我最开心的时候。

      Xiǎoshíhòu guònián shì wǒ zuì kāixīn de shíhòu.

      Celebrating the New Year was the happiest time of my childhood.

    • 过年的时候家家户户都贴春联。

      Guònián de shíhòu jiājiāhùhù dōu tiē chūnlián.

      During the New Year, every household puts up spring couplets.

    Expressing 'to celebrate New Year' with 过年 (guònián) | Chinese Grammar