Lunar New Year is a popular time for distributing ‘red packets’ but the custom comes with a strict etiquette. Here’s how to give and receive lai see correctly
Lai see packets are given to wish family, friends and employees good fortune
Lai see is the Cantonese term for red envelopes, a Chinese tradition of giving little red paper packets containing money to friends and family as a sign of good luck and good health. In Mandarin, lai see is known as ‘hong bao’, which also means red envelopes. The colour red symbolises happiness and good fortune.
When to give lai see
Lai see is most commonly distributed during Lunar New Year but is also given out at weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. During Lunar New Year, lai see is handed out between the first and 15th day of the Chinese calendar, which in 2025 means you can start giving lai see from January 29.
Who should give lai see
The etiquette behind the giving and receiving of lai see can be complex, but generally it is given by those who are married and of higher authority, such as a boss at work, to those who are younger and single. It is common for lai see to be given by parents to children containing enough money for them to buy a small toy or game. Married family members will also typically give envelopes to elderly family members as a mark of respect.
Lai see can also be given to service providers such as to domestic helpers, building staff or concierges and waitstaff. In other words, anyone you would like to wish good fortune to.
How should lai see be given
Lai see should always be presented from a person of seniority downwards, or from an elder to a younger person. It would be considered rude, for example, for children to hand out lai see to service providers.
Lai see packets should be given and received with both hands and should never be opened in the presence of the giver.
Each envelope should contain a single bill; you can give multiple envelopes if you wish. From an organisational point of view, prepare your lai see envelopes in advance using a different envelope design for different bill amounts. Then if you bump into someone to whom you want to wish good fortune, you will always have an appropriate packet on-hand.
How much should be given
The amount is open to discretion and depends on the relationship with the recipient. For building staff, you might like to give a HK$20 or $50 note. For a member of staff who is closer to you, such as a driver or helper, anything from $100 to $500 would be acceptable.
If you’re married, it is common to give two red envelopes to a single recipient, one from you and one from your husband/wife.
Dollar bills should be new and unused and the amount contained in the envelope should be given in multiples of ten but never an amount involving the number four (four is considered an unlucky number in Chinese culture). Don’t forget to place an order for new ‘lai see notes’ with your bank prior to the new year.
What you should say
If you’re giving somebody lai see in Hong Kong, the act should be accompanied by a cheery, “Kung hei fat choi!” (“Wishing you happiness and prosperity”) and the receiver should respond with “Doh jeh” (“Thank you”).
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