过年 (guò nián) literally means 'to pass the year' but functions as a set phrase meaning 'to celebrate Chinese New Year.' The character 过 (guò) conveys the idea of passing through or experiencing an event, while 年 (nián) means 'year.' Together, they express the culturally rich act of marking the lunar new year — involving family reunions, feasting, giving red envelopes, setting off fireworks, and honoring traditions. It’s not just about time passing; it’s about active participation in seasonal rituals.

This verb is used broadly across spoken and written Chinese, especially during the holiday season (late January to mid-February). It can appear with subjects like 我们 (we), 家人 (family), or even countries/cities (e.g., 北京过年). Unlike the noun form 春节 (Chūnjié), which names the festival itself, 过年 emphasizes the action and experience of celebrating — making it more personal and dynamic in usage.