red envelope

English

Etymology

Red envelopes.

From red + envelope, a calque of Chinese 紅包 / 红包.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌɹɛd ˈɛnvələʊp/, /-ˈɒn-/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌɹɛd ˈɛnvəˌloʊp/, /ˈɑn-/
• Hyphenation: red en‧ve‧lope

Noun

red envelope (plural red envelopes)

1. In Chinese communities, a decorated paper envelope, traditionally red, containing a gift of money (lucky money) presented during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and the Chinese New Year; also, the gift of money presented in such an envelope.

   Synonyms: red packet, angpao, ang pow, hongbao, lai see