lì xì
verbnoun
Hanoi [li˨˩ si˨˩]Huế [lɪj˦˩ sɪj˦˩]Saigon [lɪj˨˩ sɪj˨˩] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
lì xì means to give gratuity.
Meanings of lì xì in English
Verb
- Central Vietnam, Southern Vietnam to give money in (usually) red envelopes to children or elders during the Lunar New Year; to give gratuity
Noun
- abbreviation clipping of tiền lì xì ≈ mừng tuổi
Etymology
From old or dialectal Cantonese 利市 (lai6 si6; lợi thị).
Frequently asked questions
What does lì xì mean in English?
lì xì (verb) means "to give gratuity".
How do you pronounce lì xì?
IPA: Hanoi [li˨˩ si˨˩]; Saigon [lɪj˨˩ sɪj˨˩]. Tones: lì — falling tone (huyền), xì — falling tone (huyền).