10 Must-Know Chinese Phrases for New Year Greetings

macro shot photography of paper lantern

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节 Chūn Jié), is the most important traditional holiday in Chinese culture. Beyond the family reunions and delicious feasts, it’s also a time for exchanging meaningful greetings to share good wishes for the year ahead.

If you’re learning Mandarin or simply want to impress your friends this festive season, here are 10 essential Chinese New Year phrases you can use, along with examples to show how they fit perfectly into everyday celebrations.

恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái)

One of the most famous phrases for Chinese New Year, “恭喜发财”, translates to “Wishing you wealth and prosperity.” It’s often said while handing over red envelopes (红包 hóng bāo) or when greeting someone at the start of the New Year.

How to Use:

This phrase is versatile and can be used with friends, family, or colleagues to wish them wealth and prosperity. Typically, you would say “恭喜发财” in a formal or respectful tone. However, with close family members or friends, especially those you feel comfortable joking around with, you can add a playful twist like “红包拿来” (hand over the red envelope!), which is a lighthearted way to tease them during the festivities.

  • Example: At a family reunion, you might say to your uncle with a big smile, “叔叔，恭喜发财！” (Uncle, wishing you wealth and prosperity!). If the relationship is close, you can add, “红包拿来！” (And hand over the red envelope!), as a joke.
  • Example (formal): To a colleague, you can simply say, “恭喜发财！” (Wishing you wealth and prosperity!), which is a professional and polite greeting.

This phrase is beloved for its warm wishes and adaptability, making it suitable for all kinds of New Year interactions.

新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè)

Simple yet heartfelt, “新年快乐” means “Happy New Year.” This universal phrase is perfect for any situation and is usually the first thing you say when you see someone during the New Year period.

How to Use:

When meeting someone during the festival, this phrase is a great way to kick off your greeting. It’s simple, cheerful, and universally understood.

  • Example: As you walk into a party, you could say, “大家新年快乐！” (Happy New Year, everyone!).
  • If you want to be more specific and avoid any confusion, you can say, “春节快乐！” (Happy Chinese New Year!).

Both phrases are perfect for spreading festive cheer, whether in formal or casual settings.

年年有余 (Nián Nián Yǒu Yú)

This phrase translates to “May you have surplus year after year.” It’s a classic wish for abundance and prosperity and is often tied to the tradition of eating fish during the New Year feast. The word “余” (surplus) sounds similar to “鱼” (fish), creating a clever play on words.

How to Use:
Use this phrase during mealtime or when talking about the New Year feast.

  • Example: At dinner, you could say, “今年鱼不能吃完哦，年年有余！” (Don’t finish the fish—we need surplus for the year!)

岁岁平安 (Suì Suì Píng Ān)

“Peace and safety year after year” is the meaning behind “岁岁平安”. This wish reflects the importance of harmony and safety in Chinese culture.

How to Use:

This phrase is often associated with festive traditions like hanging red lanterns or setting off firecrackers. It’s a heartfelt wish for peace and safety throughout the years.

  • Example 1: While decorating your home, you might say, “挂上这些灯笼，希望岁岁平安。” (Let’s hang these lanterns and wish for peace year after year.)
  • Example 2: Interestingly, you can also use “岁岁平安” in a playful way. If you accidentally break something, like a glass, you can quickly say, “碎碎平安！” (Broken pieces bring peace year after year!) This pun comes from the fact that 碎 (broken) and 岁 (year) share the same pronunciation in Chinese, turning an unlucky accident into a moment of good fortune!

It’s a great way to keep the festive spirit lighthearted and cheerful.

万事如意 (Wàn Shì Rú Yì)

Translated as “May everything go as you wish,” this elegant phrase is versatile and suitable for any occasion during the Chinese New Year period.

How to Use:
Offer this wish when you want to show your care and hope for someone’s success.

  • Example: To a friend starting a new job, you could say, “祝你新年万事如意！” (Wishing you all the best in the New Year!)

心想事成 (Xīn Xiǎng Shì Chéng)

“May all your wishes come true” is the sentiment behind “心想事成”. It’s a hopeful expression often shared among friends and family.

How to Use:
Use this phrase when discussing dreams and aspirations for the year ahead.

  • Example: During a casual chat, you could say, “今年你想考上大学吧？心想事成！” (You want to get into university this year? May all your wishes come true!)

招财进宝 (Zhāo Cái Jìn Bǎo)

This phrase translates to “May wealth and treasures fill your home.” It’s particularly popular among entrepreneurs and business owners.

How to Use:
Say this to wish someone success in their career or business.

  • Example: To a colleague, you might say, “今年开门红，招财进宝！” (Wishing you a great start to the year and prosperity ahead!)

龙马精神 (Lóng Mǎ Jīng Shén)

A unique and poetic phrase, “龙马精神”, means “Wishing you the vigor and spirit of a dragon and horse.” It’s a wish for good health and high energy.

How to Use:
Perfect for greeting elderly relatives or anyone you want to wish good health.

  • Example: To your grandparents, you could say, “奶奶，祝您龙马精神，健康长寿！” (Grandma, wishing you great health and a long life!)

大吉大利 (Dà Jí Dà Lì)

“Great luck and great profit” is the literal meaning of “大吉大利”, making it a great choice for anyone in business.

How to Use:
Share this with colleagues or friends who value success and good fortune.

  • Example: At a networking event, you could say, “今年合作顺利，大吉大利！” (Wishing smooth cooperation and great fortune this year!)

家庭幸福 (Jiā Tíng Xìng Fú)

Finally, “家庭幸福” means “Wishing your family happiness.” It’s a heartfelt way to express love and blessings.

How to Use:
Use this when wishing someone a harmonious and joyful family life.

  • Example: To a friend with young children, you might say, “希望你们家庭幸福，新年快乐！” (Wishing your family happiness and a Happy New Year!)

Make These Greetings Part of Your New Year Tradition

Using these phrases is a fantastic way to connect with Chinese culture and show your appreciation for its traditions. Whether you’re practicing Mandarin or simply want to bring joy to your loved ones, these greetings will help you express your wishes with warmth and authenticity.

Suggested Image: A family gathering during Chinese New Year, exchanging greetings and enjoying a festive meal.

Learn More with LearnChinesePerth!

At LearnChinesePerth, we don’t just teach language—we immerse you in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. If you’re eager to master these phrases and deepen your understanding of Mandarin, our tailored lessons are the perfect place to start.

📩 Contact us today for your free trial lesson!
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