====== niánhuì: 年会 - Annual Meeting, Annual Party ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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