“父亲节(fùqīn jié) Father’s Day” is a holiday that celebrates fathers, and all they do for their children, around the world. There is an old saying in Chinese: “百善孝为先 (bǎi shànxiào wéi xiān)” or “Filial piety is the most important of all virtues”– in other words, if you do nothing else, at least respect your parents! Although Father’s Day may not be an official national holiday, we celebrate “父亲节(fùqīn jié ) Father’s Day” on the third Sunday of June every year in China.
孝 (xiào): filial and obedient towards parents.
Examples:
tā shì yígè xiàozǐ.
他是一个孝子。
He is a filial son.
wǒmen yào xiàojìng zhǎngbèi.
我们要孝敬长辈。
We have to honor our elders.
Given the outbreak of COVID-19 around the world, 2020 is already different than usual, and this year’s “父亲节(fùqīn jié) Father’s Day” is no exception; that said, staying at home doesn’t mean the day has to be any less fun! We’ve put together 5 suggestions for ways to make your quarantined Father’s Day exciting, unique and memorable – and not just because you get to learn some new Chinese phrases while you’re at it!
Cook a delicious brunch
A late-morning meal is a great way to celebrate any holiday – food, laughter, and family is the perfect recipe to really feel the warmth of being together. Remember to also give your compliments to the chef!
美味 (měiwèi): delicious
Examples:
zhōngguó de shíwù hěn měiwèi.
中国的食物很美味。
Chinese food is delicious.
māma zuò de cài hěn měiwèi.
妈妈做的菜很美味。
Mother’s cooking is delicious.
Play an indoor game
How long has it been since you played games with your father? Celebrating your father is a great opportunity to go back to your childhood! Many daughters and sons in China take some time to play sports, board games and, these days, even video games with their dad. What’s your favorite game to play with your parents?
玩 (wán): to play
Examples:
nǐ bàba xǐhuan wán shénme yóuxì?
你爸爸喜欢玩什么游戏？
What games does your father like to play?
wǒmen yào wán diànzǐ yóuxì.
我们要玩电子游戏。
We’re going to play videogames.
Learn something new
What about trying something you’ve never done before? Maybe this the time to learn more about your father’s “weird” hobby; who knows – maybe you’ll find you two have something new in common!
爱好 (àihào):hobby
Examples:
nǐ yǒu shénme àihào ma?
你有什么爱好吗？
Do you have any hobbies?
tā hé wǒ de àihào shì yíàng de!
她和我的爱好是一样的！
She and I have the same hobby!
Express your feelings face-to-face
In China, there is an expression that describes a father’s love: “父爱如山(fù ài rú shān)”, meaning, “A father’s love is like a mountain”. This means that, like mountains, fathers’ emotions aren’t always shown so openly, but that does not mean their feelings aren’t there. In fact, a father’s love will always be there, steady and dependable, if often inscrutable. Maybe try telling your father how you feel about him? Maybe he’s just waiting for you to open up, too!
父爱 (fù ài): Father’s love
Examples:
fù ài shì chénmò de.
父爱是沉默的。
A father’s love is silent.
tā de xìn chōngmǎn duì zǐnǚ de fù ài.
他的信充满对子女的父爱。
His letter was filled with paternal love for his children.
Giving meaningful gifts
There are many ways to show someone you care. One way in China is to give flowers, but there’s an art to it, too… different flowers have different meanings! Though red and white roses are particularly popular on Father’s Day, large sunflowers also have meaning. There’s even a poem that explains the special significance of sunflowers’ size: giving them to someone means that you recognize what a big heart they have!
向日葵 (xiàngrìkuí): sunflower
Examples:
xiàngrìkuí xiàngzhe tàiyang.
向日葵向着太阳。
Sunflowers follow the sun.
tā miáohuì le shèngkāi de xiàngrìkuí.
他描绘了盛开的向日葵。
He paints sunflowers in bloom.
There are more sentences you may want to know:
百善孝为先 (bǎi shànxiào wéi xiān)
父爱如山(fù ài rú shān)
Let’s see how well you’re prepared for “父亲节(fùqīn jié)” with this quiz!
1. Which description of “父爱如山” is incorrect?
A.A father’s love is not directly expressed.
B.A father’s love is heavy.
C.A father’s love is like a mountain.
2. What can the word “美味” be used to describe?
A.A coffee cup
B.A snow-capped mountain
C.Your Father’s Day brunch
3. What can you “玩”? (select all that apply)
A.Your mother’s favorite board game
B.A video game
C.Your Chinese homework
4. Which pair of characters means “hobby”?
A.好爱(hǎo ài)
B.喜欢(xǐhuān)
C.爱好(àihào)
