Cultural Insight:

Spring Festival, also known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important and lively traditional festival in China. It symbolizes bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new, as well as family reunion. The most important activity is the "Reunion Dinner," where the whole family gathers for a lavish meal. Children most look forward to receiving "red envelopes," which contain lucky money inside a red packet. The color red symbolizes good luck and fortune in Chinese culture and is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Useful Sentences:

1. 新年快乐！(Xīnnián kuàilè!) - Happy New Year!

2. 恭喜发财！(Gōngxǐ fācái!) - Wishing you prosperity! (A common New Year's greeting)

3. 给你红包。(Gěi nǐ hóngbāo.) - Here is a red envelope for you.

4. 谢谢！祝您身体健康！(Xièxie! Zhù nín shēntǐ jiànkāng!) - Thank you! I wish you good health!

Grammar Tip: Optative Verbs "想 (xiǎng)" and "要 (yào)"

Both words mean "want," but there are subtle differences.

• 想: Expresses a wish or thought. The tone is softer.

• Example: 我想回家过年。(Wǒ xiǎng huí jiā guònián.) - I want to go home for the New Year. (Expressing my wish)

• 要: Expresses a determination or a stronger need, sometimes closer to "need."

• Example: 我要买新衣服过年。(Wǒ yào mǎi xīn yīfu guònián.) - I need to buy new clothes for the New Year. (Expressing a decision or necessity)

Exercise:
Fill in the blanks with "想" or "要".

1. 我______去中国旅行。

2. 我______一杯咖啡，因为我累了。
   (Answers: 1. 想 2. 要)