【Learn Chinese】Chinese Phrases for Thanksgiving (Part 1)

Thanksgiving is a special holiday celebrated primarily in the United States, Canada, and some other countries, where people come together to express gratitude for the good things in life.
In the U.S., Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada, it is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It’s a time for family reunions, delicious feasts, and reflecting on what we’re thankful for.
In part one of our article let’s learn 5 key Chinese phrases that capture typical Thanksgiving activities!

Family Reunion 家人团聚
Thanksgiving is a cherished time for families to come together, share a meal, and reconnect. Many people travel long distances just to spend the holiday with loved ones, making family reunions one of the most heartwarming aspects of the celebration. This gathering reminds us of the importance of togetherness and gratitude.
In Chinese, “family reunion” is 家人团聚 (jiā rén tuán jù):
家人 (jiā rén) – “family” or “family members”
团聚 (tuán jù) – “reunite” or “gather together”
Family reunions hold deep significance in both Western and Chinese cultures. In China and other Chinese-speak countries, the Lunar New Year is a key time for family gatherings.

Watch A Parade 看游行
Thanksgiving Day parades are a popular tradition in many cities, especially the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Floats, marching bands, and giant balloons bring excitement to the streets, making the parade a must-watch for many families.
In Chinese, “watch a parade” is 看游行 (kàn yóu xíng):
看 (kàn) – “watch” or “see”
遊行/游行 (yóu xíng) – “parade” or “march”
Parades are also part of many cultural celebrations worldwide. In China, grand parades are held on National Day, Oct 1st, to showcase the country’s achievements, with impressive military and cultural displays.

Watch American Football 看美式足球
Football is another big part of Thanksgiving, with families and friends gathering to watch NFL games. The competitive energy of American football adds a lively twist to the holiday’s relaxing atmosphere.

In Chinese, “watch American football” is 看美式足球 (kàn měi shì zú qiú):
美式 (měi shì) – “American-style”
足球 (zú qiú) – “football” or “soccer”

Cook a Feast 煮大餐
Cooking a feast is one of the most cherished Thanksgiving traditions. Families gather in the kitchen to prepare iconic dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The kitchen becomes the heart of the home, filled with delicious aromas and laughter.
In Chinese, “cook a fest” is 煮大餐 (zhǔ dà cān):
煮 (zhǔ) – “to cook” or “to boil”
大餐 (dà cān) – “feast” or “big meal”
Similar to Thanksgiving, the Chinese Lunar New Year (过年; guò nián) is a time for families to come together and share a grand meal.

Play Board Games 玩桌游
After the big meal, families often gather around to play board games, a fun way to bond and keep the holiday spirit going.
In Chinese, “play board games” is 玩桌游 (wán zhuō yóu):
玩 (wán) – “to play”
桌游 (zhuō yóu) – short for 桌上游戏 (zhuō shàng yóu xì), meaning “table games” or “board games”
One of the most iconic Chinese table games is Mahjong (麻將/麻将; má jiàng), a tile game that originated in China hundreds of years ago. It continues to be popular worldwide, with fans enjoying its mix of strategy, skill, and luck.