How to Say ‘Here’s a small red envelope for you.’ in Simplified Chinese
给你一个小红包。
💬 Usage Tip: Natural and warm. The [小] makes it sound polite and modest—like “just a little something for you.”
🇨🇳 In China: Common when giving to kids, younger relatives, or staff. The message is blessing and goodwill, not “payment.”
Phrase Breakdown
给你
give you / for you
“给” introduces the receiver; here it means “give to you.”
这个给你。
This is for you.
一个
one (unit) / a
“一” + measure word “个”; used before a noun to mean “one/a.”
给我一个杯子。
Give me a cup.
小
small / little
Describes size/amount; here means a small (modest) red envelope.
我买了一个小礼物。
I bought a small gift.
红包
red envelope (money gift)
Traditional cash gift; often given to children or younger people during the New Year.
过年要发红包。
During the New Year, people give out red envelopes.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
给
[gěi]
to give
Introduces the act of giving in the phrase 给你一个小红包: “(I) give you…”
过年我给你一个小红包，讨个彩头。
For New Year, I’ll give you a small red envelope to bring a bit of good luck.
你
[nǐ]
you
Marks who receives the gift in 给你一个小红包: “to you.”
这个小红包是给你的，新年快乐！
This small red envelope is for you—Happy New Year!
一
[yī]
one (1)
The number in the set phrase 一个, meaning “one (unit).”
我就给你一 个小红包，别嫌少。
I’m only giving you one small red envelope—don’t mind that it’s not much.
个
[gè]
(classifier) a/an; one unit
Classifier used after numbers; 一个小红包 = “a small red envelope.”
给你一个小红包，祝你健康。
Here’s a small red envelope for you—wishing you good health.
小
[xiǎo]
small; little
Adds a modest tone to the gift: 小红包 sounds polite and humble.
这是个小红包，请收下。
This is a small red envelope—please accept it.
红包
[hóng bāo]
red envelope; cash gift
The New Year cash gift being given in 给你一个小红包.
给你一个小红包，祝你年年有余。
Here’s a small red envelope for you—wishing you surplus year after year.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s scenario-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”
Ryan M., 36, Consultant
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real scenarios helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer