张灯结彩

zhāngdēng-jiécǎi

to be decorated with lanterns and colored banners (idiom)

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The phrase 张灯结彩 literally means "to hang lanterns and tie colorful decorations." It is commonly used to describe festive decorations, especially during major celebrations like the Spring Festival, weddings, or holidays. When you hear 张灯结彩, imagine a place brightly adorned with lanterns and colorful ribbons or banners, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

Common Contexts

This expression is often used for:

  • Streets or public places decorated for festivals
  • Homes or venues decorated for weddings or celebrations
  • Commercial areas decorated to attract customers during holidays

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

张灯结彩 is a formal and vivid expression, often found in written descriptions or formal speech about celebrations. It conveys a strong visual image of festivity and joy. Avoid using it for casual or everyday decoration; it implies a special occasion.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 张灯结彩 with simple decoration words like 装饰 (decorate). 张灯结彩 specifically emphasizes the use of lanterns and colorful decorations for festive occasions, carrying a cultural and celebratory nuance.

Example Sentences

春节的时候,街道上张灯结彩,非常热闹。

Chūnjié de shíhòu, jiēdào shàng zhāngdēng-jiécǎi, fēicháng rènào.

During the Spring Festival, the streets are decorated with lanterns and

为了庆祝婚礼,家里张灯结彩,喜气洋洋。

Wèile qìngzhù hūnlǐ, jiālǐ zhāngdēng-jiécǎi, xǐqì yángyáng.

To celebrate the wedding, the house was decorated with lanterns and colorful

节日期间,商场里张灯结彩,吸引了很多顾客。

Jiérì qījiān, shāngchǎng lǐ zhāngdēng-jiécǎi, xīyǐnle hěn duō gùkè.

During the holidays, the mall was decorated with lanterns and colorful