niánhuì: 年会 - Annual Meeting, Annual Party

Keywords: nianhui, 年会, Chinese company party, annual meeting China, end of year party China, Chinese corporate culture, Spring Festival party, Chinese office party, nian hui lucky draw

Summary: The 年会 (niánhuì) is a pivotal event in Chinese corporate culture, best described as an annual company party or gala held before the Chinese New Year. Far more than a simple meeting, the nianhui is a celebratory banquet to thank employees, review the year's achievements, boost morale, and build team spirit. It typically features a lavish dinner, speeches from leadership, employee performances, and a highly anticipated lucky draw (抽奖) with major prizes, making it a cornerstone of modern office life in China.

Pinyin (with tone marks): niánhuì

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 4/5

Concise Definition: The annual company party or meeting, typically held before the Chinese New Year to celebrate the past year's work.

In a Nutshell: Think of a Western company's “Christmas Party” or “End-of-Year Gala,” but amplified. The `年会` is a cultural institution in the Chinese workplace that mixes business with pleasure. It's a formal recognition of the year's hard work, combined with an informal, often raucous, celebration involving food, alcohol, entertainment, and prize giveaways. For employees, it's a major highlight of the year.

年 (nián): This character means “year.” Its ancient form is thought to be a pictogram of a person carrying harvested grain, symbolizing an annual harvest cycle.

会 (huì): This character means “meeting,” “gathering,” or