- Impress everyone with your language skills by memorising these short greetings
- From wishing good health to hoping wishes come true – these greetings are sure to be a hit with the recipients
New year countdown fireworks lit up the Victoria Harbour. Photo: Elson LiAs we welcome 2024, have you ever wondered how to say Happy New Year in Chinese? In Cantonese, the most common way is san nin faai lok, and in Mandarin, xīn nián kuài lè.
And if you plan to attend a Chinese New Year gathering in February and are looking to expand your repertoire of greetings for family and friends, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 ways to say Happy New Year in Chinese, just in case you need some brushing up.
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1. Happy New Year – san nin faai lok (Cantonese) or xīn nián kuài lè (Mandarin)
You’ll hear this phrase everywhere once the Spring Festival – as Chinese New Year is also called – rolls around, but it’s also used for the new year on the Gregorian calendar – January 1 – because of its literal translation.
The most common way to wish someone a happy new year in Chinese, these characters technically spell out “new year happy” – but you get the gist!
2. May you be prosperous – gung hei faat choi or gōng xǐ fā cái
Often said when presenting lucky red envelopes containing money during Chinese New Year, this classic greeting signifies wishes for prosperity. The first two characters stand for “congratulations” while the latter means to “make a fortune”.
3. Wishing you good health – san tai gin hong or shēn tǐ jiàn kāng
Having good health is a big deal in Chinese culture. This heartfelt saying – its direct translation being “body healthy” – expresses sincere wishes for the recipient’s well-being and good health in the coming year.
4. May all your wishes be fulfilled – gat cheung yu yi or jí xiáng rú yì
This greeting embodies the hope that the recipient’s aspirations and dreams will come true in the new year, bringing happiness and fulfilment.
5. May everything go as you wish – maan si yu yi or wàn shì rú yì
A well-known variation of the greeting above, this phrase conveys the hope that everything will unfold smoothly and according to one’s desires. What a way to start the year!
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6. May all your wishes come true – sam seung si sing or xīn xiǎng shì chéng
“If you wish, it will come to be”. This phrase is another good alternative to the two wishes above, and encapsulates the hope that all the recipient’s heartfelt desires and aspirations are realised in the New Year.
7. Surplus year after year – nin nin yau yu or nián nián yǒu yú
Often associated with fish dishes, this phrase – “every year have fish” in literal terms as “fish” and “abundance” sound the same in spoken Chinese – represents the wish for abundance and surplus in every aspect of life throughout the year.
8. May you soar high with every step you take – bou bou gou sing or bù bù gāo shēng
A wish for continuous improvement and advancement in life, career, and personal development that’s applicable to all ages.
9. May your business flourish – sang yi hing lung or shēng yì xīng lóng
Often used in business settings, this greeting offers a wish for prosperity and success in commercial and entrepreneurial endeavours.
10. May your career be successful – si yip yau sing or shì yè yǒu chéng
Similarly, this wish expresses hopes for a thriving and fulfilling professional life, with accomplishments and achievements.
There you have it. You’re armed with these lively expressions and all set to infuse the spirit of prosperity, health, and happiness into your greetings.
And with that, Happy New Year! Or should I say san nin faai lok?