Tet Nguyen Dan is not only a holiday, but also a unique cultural symbol, expressing the precious traditional values of the Vietnamese people. To help international friends better understand the meaning and customs of this special holiday, this article by IDP will help you pocket English vocabulary about Tet.
1. The Origin of Tet Holiday
Tet, or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important and culturally rich festivals in Vietnam. Traditionally, Tet marks the seasonal transition and the beginning of a new year, symbolizing hope for health, prosperity, and happiness. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and sending wishes for good harvests and favorable weather.
2. Tet Vocabulary in English
Time-related Tet Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Example |
The New Year | People celebrate the New Year with family dinners. |
Lunar New Year | Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions. |
New Year’s Eve | We have a big feast on New Year’s Eve. |
First Day of Tet | Families visit each other on the first Day of Tet. |
Kitchen God’s Farewell | People send the Kitchen God to heaven on the last day of the year. |
Tomb Sweeping Day | Families clean and decorate ancestral graves before Tet. |
Tet Symbols Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Example |
Altar | Families prepare an altar with offerings for Tet. |
Red envelope | Parents give red envelopes filled with lucky money to children. |
Fireworks | Fireworks light up the sky on New Year’s Eve. |
Calligraphy | Many people ask for calligraphy as a symbol of good fortune. |
Ancestor worship | Families burn incense to honor their ancestors. |
Tet Activities Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Example |
Decorate the house | We decorate the house with flowers and lanterns. |
Go to pagoda | People go to pagodas to pray for peace and happiness. |
Give lucky money | Adults give lucky money to children for good luck. |
Watch fireworks | Families gather to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve. |
Clean the house | It is a tradition to clean the house before Tet to remove bad luck. |
Tet Flowers Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Example |
Peach blossom | Popular in northern Vietnam for Tet. |
Apricot blossom | Symbol of Tet in the South. |
Kumquat tree | Symbolizes wealth and luck. |
Marigold | Represents longevity and prosperity. |
Lucky bamboo | Believed to bring fortune and success. |
Tet Food Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Example |
Chung cake | A traditional square sticky rice cake for Tet. |
Steamed sticky rice | A special Tet dish served with meat. |
Boiled chicken | A must-have offering and Tet dish. |
Jellied meat | Common in northern Vietnam during Tet. |
Braised pork and eggs | Southern specialty symbolizing unity and warmth. |
Tet Fruits Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Example |
Watermelon | Red flesh symbolizes luck. |
Coconut | Represents sufficiency. |
Mango | Wishing for prosperity. |
Fig | Symbolizes success and fulfillment. |
Buddha’s hand | A symbol of protection and spiritual blessings. |
3. Meaningful Tet Wishes in English
May the new year bring you and your loved ones health and peace.
Wishing you success, happiness, and a prosperous year ahead.
May all your dreams come true and your goals be fulfilled.
Here's to a fresh start and exciting opportunities in the coming year.
May your year be filled with blessings, love, and joy.
4. Apply Tet Vocabulary in IELTS Speaking – Festival Topic
Part 1 – Sample Answer:
Question: What is your favorite festival?
Answer: Tet, or Lunar New Year, is definitely my favorite. I love wearing the traditional Ao Dai and enjoying meaningful dishes like Chung cake with my family. It gives me a sense of pride and cultural connection.
Part 2 – Sample Answer:
Describe an important festival in your country:
Undoubtedly, the Lunar New Year is the most significant celebration in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar year and offers people a chance to reunite with their families. Traditional customs include giving red envelopes, wearing Ao Dai, and preparing foods like Chung cake and braised pork with eggs. Tet is also a time for reflection, honoring ancestors, and starting anew.
Enhance Your Tet Vocabulary with IDP
We hope this guide has helped you expand your Tet-related English vocabulary and understand the cultural richness of this unique holiday. To prepare for more diverse topics in the IELTS exam, explore IDP’s free resources and boost your confidence.