Does "guoshi" mean "celebrate the new year"? Background: I learned Mandarin from people who grew up in Taiwan. My sister is learning Mandarin from someone who grew up in China. Her teacher used the phrase "guo shi" in class the other day. Issue: One of my family members insists that "guo shi" means "after death" and that "celebrate the new year" is "guo nian." Over the years, I have heard people say "guo shi" in relation to Chinese New Year activities, but most online Chinese-English dictionaries do not list this phrase. (The only translation I have been able to find is "outdated.") Is there anyone out there who uses "guo shi" in relation to Chinese New Year activities? Please let me know. Thank you in advance for your time.