1. Sharp Objects — Cut Off Relationship 尖锐的东西——断绝关系

Giving somebody a sharp object insinuates that you want to cut off your relationship with them. A common Chinese saying goes "one slash and it’s in two parts" to mean the end of a relationship between people.

送给某人尖锐之物暗示着你想和对方断绝关系。中国俗语“一刀两断”指的就是两人断绝关系。

2. The Number 4 — Sounds Like Death 含有数字四的东西——和“死”谐音

In Chinese, the number four (四 sì /srr/) sounds similar to the word for death (死 sǐ). Therefore, anything with the number 4 is considered unlucky — do not give gifts in sets of four.

中文里的“四”和“死”谐音。因此，任何带有数字四的东西都被中国人认为不吉利，所以不要送数量为四的礼物。

That is why there is no floor four in some buildings and hotels, for example. Often a number 8 is added in front of the 4 for hotel rooms on the fourth floor.

这就是为什么在一些大楼和酒店中没有楼层四。通常酒店第四层的房间号会在数字4前加一个8。

3. Shoes — Evil 鞋——邪

Shoes are a bad idea for a present for Chinese New Year because the word for 'shoes' (鞋 xié /syeah/) sounds exactly like a word for bad luck or 'evil' (邪 xié). On top of that, shoes are something that you step on, and are thus not good gifts. Avoid shoes at all costs.

过年送鞋作礼物是个坏主意，因为“鞋”和“邪”发音相同。除此以外，鞋子是你踩踏之物，所以用来送礼不合适。千万别送鞋。

4. Handkerchiefs — A Symbol of Saying Goodbye Forever 手帕——象征着永别

People generally give handkerchiefs at the end of a funeral, and are a symbol of saying goodbye forever. Giving someone a gift like this insinuates you are saying goodbye forever, and severing all ties.

人们通常会在葬礼结束时分发手帕，手帕象征着永远的离别。送给某人手帕当礼物暗示着你是要和对方永别，从此切断一切联系。

5. Clocks — Bad Luck 钟——厄运

In Chinese, saying 'giving a clock' (送钟 sòng zhōng /song jong/) sounds exactly like the Chinese words for 'attending a funeral ritual' (送终 sòng zhōng) and thus it is bad luck to gift clocks or watches.

中文里，“送钟”和“送终”发音一样，所以送钟表做礼物不吉利。

On top of that, clocks and watches also symbolize the running out of time. This is especially true for seniors. Giving a clock or watch as a gift is the biggest no-no in Chinese culture.

除此以外，钟表还象征着剩下的时间不多了。对于老年人而言尤其如此。送钟表当礼物是中国文化中最大的禁忌。

6. Pears — Parting 梨——离别

Giving fruit is a good thing, but pears are taboo. This is because the Chinese word for 'pears' (梨 lí /lee/) sounds the same as the word for leaving or 'parting' (离 lí).

送水果挺好，但梨却是禁忌。这是因为中文里“梨”和“离”发音相同。

7. Cut Flowers — Presents for Funerals 手捧花——葬礼的礼物

Cut flowers are generally presents for funerals, so do not give them on Chinese New Year! This is especially so for Yellow Chrysanthemums and any white flowers, which represent death. White is an unlucky (funeral) color in Chinese culture, so white flowers should be avoided.

手捧花通常是葬礼上的礼物，所以不要在过年时送!尤其是黄色菊花和任何白色的花，因为这些花代表死亡。白色在中国文化中是不吉利的(葬礼)颜色，所以应避免送白花。

8. Umbrellas — Break Up 伞——分手

Umbrellas are a bad idea to give as gifts, because the Chinese word for 'umbrella' (伞 sǎn /san/) sound like the word for 'breaking up' (散 sàn). Giving somebody an umbrella may insinuate that you feel your relationship with them has fallen apart.

送伞作礼物是个坏主意，因为中文里“伞”和“散”谐音。送某人一把伞暗示着你觉得你和对方的关系已经破裂了。

9. Black or White Objects — Often Used in Funerals 黑色或白色的东西——葬礼常用的颜色

Black and White are important colors in funerals, so avoid presents that are largely black or largely white, or wrapping paper or envelopes in these colors. Red, however, is believed to be a festive and fortunate color, so red is always a great option for envelopes, or gifts.

黑色和白色是葬礼上的主色调，所以避免送大面积白色或黑色的礼物，或者用这种颜色包装的礼物。红色则被认为是喜庆吉利的颜色，所以送红色封套(包装)的礼物或红色礼物永远是很好的选择。

10. Mirrors — Attract Ghosts 镜子——招鬼

Mirrors are a bad idea for gifts throughout much of Asia, as they are believed to attract malicious ghosts. On top of that, they are easily broken and breaking things is a bad omen.

亚洲的大部分地区都忌讳送镜子当礼物，因为很多亚洲人认为镜子会招来恶鬼。除此以外，镜子容易破碎，而打破东西则是不祥之兆。