Today is the Children’s Day. Many countries in Asia celebrate this day.
“儿童节 (Értóng jié): Children’s Day”, is officially known as International Children’s Day. However, The holiday is officially called “六一国际儿童节 (Liùyī guójì értóng jié)”, which translates to “June 1 International Children’s Day” in Chinese. It is a day where everyone brings joy to children to show their appreciation and give children a day to enjoy their childhood. There are a few ways that Children’s Day is typically celebrated in China.
Putting on a performance
Every year on June 1st, the school will hold a performance, where students will sing, dance, recite etc. on the stage to show their talents. It’s pretty much fun for kids.
表演 (Biǎoyǎn): Performance/show
Examples:
Wǒ hěn xǐhuān zhègè biǎoyǎn
我很喜欢这个表演。
I really like this performance.
Zhègè biǎoyǎn hěn jīngcǎi
这个表演很精彩。
This performance is wonderful.
Expecting discounts
Parents and teachers can expect discounts, especially for children. Often times child-friendly businesses and attractions get involved on this day. Entrance to certain tourist attractions may be discounted or completely “免费 (Miǎnfèi): free” of charge for children on this day. Teachers might take their students for a trip to the park, museum, or zoo. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it may be canceled this year.
免费 (Miǎnfèi): free
Examples:
Wǒ miǎnfèi jiào nǐ zhōngwén
我免费教你中文。
I teach you Chinese for free.
Zhè bēi yǐnliào shì miǎnfèi de
这杯饮料是免费的。
This drink is free.
Having a good time with parents
On this day, children will have a whole day off, so many parents choose to take time off to “陪伴 (péibàn): accompany ” their children.They may go to the playground, eat delicious food or anything else. Anyway, they will spend a good time together.
Some parents will give a “礼物 (Lǐwù): a gift” to their child. The gift can vary from a coveted toy to something useful that the child can still enjoy.
陪伴 (péibàn): accompany
Examples:
Péibàn shì gěi háizi zuì hǎo de ài
陪伴是给孩子最好的爱。
Accompany is the best love for children.
Péibàn shì zuì cháng qíng de gàobái
陪伴是最长情的告白。
Accompany is the longest confession of love.
礼物 (Lǐwù): gift
Examples:
Wǒ shōu dàole yī fèn lǐwù
我收到了一份礼物。
I received a gift.
Wǒ yào sòng nǐ yī fèn lǐwù
我要送你一份礼物。
I want to give you a gift.
In fact, in China, children are not the only ones who celebrate Children ’s Day. Many young people who are not technically kids anymore will celebrate in their own way. For example, they might celebrate with friends by going out for dinner or share some photos depicting their childhood within the circle of friends. Due to the phenomenon, some buzzwords have emerged, such as “谁还不是个宝宝呢 (shuí hái bùshì gè háizi ne)”, “我也是个宝宝 (Wǒ yěshì gè bǎobǎo)”.
But let’s not forget to celebrate the children most of all. Lastly，learn how to wish the children a happy day by saying Happy children’s Day in Chinese “儿童节快乐 (Értóng jié kuàilè)”. You can also say this to your friends to greet them if you wish.
There are some pronunciations you can learn:
儿童节 (Értóng jié)
六一国际儿童节(Liùyī guójì értóng jié)
谁还不是个宝宝呢 (shuí hái bùshì gè háizi ne)
我也是个宝宝 (Wǒ yěshì gè bǎobǎo)
儿童节快乐 (Értóng jié kuàilè)
What does “谁还不是个宝宝呢 (shuí hái bùshì gè háizi ne)” mean?
A. I am not a baby.
B. I want to be a baby and don’t want to grow up.
C. I want a baby.
You May Want to Learn More about Festival :
“How Tomb Sweeping Day was Different This Year in China Due to COVID-19”
“Top 4 Chinese New Year Traditions Explained”
“The New Chinese Christmas Tradition That You’ve Got to Try”
