10 Lucky Phrases to Say for a Prosperous Chinese New Year Celebration
Chinese New Year is the most important and widely celebrated festival in China. It marks the start of the lunar year and typically falls between mid-January to mid-February. As a non-Chinese speaker, you may wonder what to say for Chinese New Year greetings. Fear not, in this article, we will guide you through the dos and don'ts of Chinese New Year greetings.
The easiest and most commonly used greeting is “新年快乐” (Xīn nián kuài lè) which means “Happy New Year”. You can use this phrase to greet your Chinese friends and colleagues during the festive season. But if you want to go the extra mile, try adding some variations to your greeting such as:
- “恭喜发财” (Gōng xǐ fā cái) which means “Wishing you prosperity”
- “身体健康” (Shēn tǐ jiàn kāng) which means “Wishing you good health”
- “万事如意” (Wàn shì rú yì) which means “Wishing you all the best”
It is essential to avoid certain taboo words when greeting your Chinese counterparts during the festive season. The number four is considered unlucky as it sounds similar to the word “death”. Hence, refrain from using phrases that include the number four, such as “四季平安” (Sì jì píng ān).
Do you know that the Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year being represented by an animal? This year, 2021, marks the year of the Ox. Therefore, you could add some well-wishes related to the animal of the year, such as:
- “牛年行大运” (Niú nián xíng dà yùn) which means “Wishing you great success in the year of the Ox”
- “招财进宝” (Zhāo cái jìn bǎo) which means “May wealth and treasure come your way”
Do you know that Chinese New Year greetings are not only limited to spoken words? You can also send red envelopes, called “红包” (Hóng bāo), with money inside as a sign of blessing. The amount is usually an even number ending with a zero, like 20 or 200. However, avoid giving amounts that include the number four.
If you are attending a Chinese New Year gathering, it is customary to bring gifts for your hosts. Some common gift ideas include tangerines, oranges, and candy boxes. These gifts symbolize good luck and wealth. Moreover, it is polite to dress formally in red, gold, or other vibrant colors. Remember, first impressions matter!
During the Chinese New Year festivities, people often enjoy various types of food, such as dumplings, fish, and glutinous rice cake. A popular phrase used to initiate a meal is “开饭” (Kāi fàn) which means “Let’s eat”. Why not impress your Chinese friends by using this phrase as a conversation starter?
Finally, it is important to end your greeting with an appropriate farewell phrase such as “过年好” (Guò nián hǎo) which means “Happy New Year” or “新春愉快” (Xīn chūn yú kuài) which means “Happy Spring Festival”. These phrases add a personal touch to your Chinese New Year greeting.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year greetings are an excellent way to show respect and appreciation for the Chinese culture. Whether you are a well-wisher or attending a festive gathering, we have provided you with some tips on what to say for Chinese New Year greetings. So go ahead and use these phrases to impress your Chinese friends and colleagues, and make this festive season memorable for everyone!
"What To Say For Chinese New Year" ~ bbaz
The Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and celebrated festivals in China. It is also referred to as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year. It is believed that the festival originated from the Han Dynasty and has been celebrated for thousands of years. This year, it will be celebrated on February 12th marking the start of the Year of the Ox.
Greetings for Chinese New Year
During the Chinese New Year, it is customary to greet friends and family members with special greetings. These greetings are intended to wish prosperity, good fortune, and happiness to the recipients. One of the most popular greetings is “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” which means “Wishing you great wealth and prosperity.” Another widely used greeting is “Xin Nian Kuai Le,” which translates to “Happy New Year.”
You can also use other phrases such as “Zhù nǐ xīn xiánɡ shì chénɡ,” which means “Wishing you a successful new year,” or “Shēntǐ jiànkān,” which means “Wishing you good health.”
Common Phrases for Chinese New Year
In addition to the greetings, there are several other phrases that are commonly used during the Chinese New Year. Here are a few examples:
1. Red Envelopes
The tradition of giving red envelopes filled with money is an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. If you plan to give red envelopes to family or friends, use a phrase like “Sòng hóng bāo qǐ línɡ dào nán, fú lè huì shuō chū kāi” to wish them good fortune and happiness.
2. Food
Food is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It is customary to prepare traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. To express your appreciation for the food, you can say “Nín yǒu kǎo chī de shēntǐ, wánɡ lǐ zhòng zhòng” which means “May you always stay healthy and strong, and enjoy a long life.”
3. Ancestors
The Chinese New Year is also a time to honor ancestors. Use a phrase like “Zhù Jiāo Běnɡ Shànɡ de qiánɡbìnɡ wú jí, tútè wàn xiàn” to honor your ancestors and wish them good fortune.
Taboos and Superstitions
During the Chinese New Year, there are certain taboos that should be avoided. For example, it is considered bad luck to sweep or clean your house on New Year’s Day. This is because it is believed that sweeping will sweep away your good fortune. Similarly, it is considered unlucky to wear black or white clothes during the festival. Instead, red is the preferred color as it signifies good luck and prosperity.
Closing Thoughts
Celebrating the Chinese New Year is a wonderful way to embrace and appreciate Chinese culture. Whether you are a native Chinese speaker or not, expressing your well wishes in Mandarin during this festive period is a great way to connect with others and forge new relationships.
By learning a few simple phrases and greetings, you can make a positive impression and show respect for Chinese culture and traditions. So, go ahead and wish your friends, family, and colleagues a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!
What To Say For Chinese New Year: A Comparison
Introduction
Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing for a prosperous year ahead. As a foreigner, it can be challenging to know what to say during this festive season. In this article, we will compare commonly used greetings and phrases, their meanings, and when to use them.Comparing Greetings
The most common greeting during Chinese New Year is Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财). This phrase means Wishing you wealth and prosperity. Another frequently used phrase is Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐), which means Happy New Year. These two greetings are both appropriate to use during Chinese New Year, but Gong Xi Fa Cai has a more significant emphasis on financial success, whereas Xin Nian Kuai Le purely wishes for happiness in the new year.Gong Xi Fa Cai
The phrase Gong Xi Fa Cai has been around since the Tang Dynasty and is closely associated with the Chinese god of wealth, Zhao Gongming. It is often followed by another phrase, Hong Bao Na Lai (红包拿来), which means Give me the red envelope. The combination of these phrases is humorously said by children to their parents and relatives, as it implies that if they wish for wealth, they should also receive a red envelope (a traditional Chinese gift of money).Xin Nian Kuai Le
The phrase Xin Nian Kuai Le has a celebratory tone and can be heard during various festivals and special occasions, not just Chinese New Year. During the holiday, it is often accompanied by other phrases likeThe Role of Colors and Animals in Greetings
Chinese New Year has twelve zodiac animals, each of which is associated with specific years in a twelve-year cycle. Each animal has its unique personality traits, and people born under the same year are said to inherit those traits. During the holiday, it is common to include the zodiac animal in greetings or decorations. Additionally, colors have different meanings in Chinese culture and can also influence what one says during the festival.The Zodiac Animals
The zodiac animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. For example, if you were born in the Year of the Rat, you would be confident, quick-witted, and hardworking. A common Chinese phrase for someone born under this sign is Shǔ nián dà jí (鼠年大吉), which means Lucky Year of the Rat.The Colors
Red and gold are the most prominent colors used during Chinese New Year. Red symbolizes luck, while gold represents wealth. You can wish someone good luck by saying Hong Yun Dang Tou (红运当头), which means May good luck come your way. Another common phrase is Guan Yu Jin Bao (关于金宝), which wishes for a gold mine to appear before the person.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a fascinating and joyous holiday. Remembering just a couple of phrases or greetings can go a long way in making small talk with your Chinese friends and colleagues. Using the appropriate phrases at the right time can show respect and help strengthen relationships. Whether you say Gong Xi Fa Cai or Xin Nian Kuai Le; whether you wish for someone's fortune, wealth, or happiness, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the festivities.What To Say For Chinese New Year: Tips and Phrases
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China and one of the most celebrated occasions around the world. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and wish each other good luck and prosperity in the coming year. If you are planning to celebrate Chinese New Year with your Chinese friends, colleagues or relatives, it's essential to know the right things to say. Here are some tips and phrases that will help you navigate the customs and etiquette of Chinese New Year.General Tips
1. Use respectful language: The Chinese culture values respect and politeness, so use appropriate language when speaking to elders or people in positions of authority. Addressing them with titles such as Lao Shi (teacher), Shifu (master), or Da Jie (older sister) can be a sign of respect.2. Offer greetings: It is customary to offer greetings to everyone you meet during Chinese New Year. The most common greeting is Xin Nian Kuai Le which means Happy New Year. You can also say Gong Xi Fa Cai which means Congratulations and Prosperity, or Wan Shi Ru Yi which means May all your wishes come true.3. Exchange red envelopes: Giving red envelopes filled with money is a popular tradition during Chinese New Year. When giving these envelopes, it is polite to say Xin Nian Kuai Le, Hong Bao Na Lai which means Happy New Year, accept this red envelope.Greetings for Family Members
4. For parents: Wish your parents Fu Gui Quan Shou which means May wealth come to you. This phrase conveys your hope for their financial prosperity.5. For grandparents: Offer a greeting that expresses gratitude and respect, like Gong Xi Fa Cai, Shen Ti Jian Kang which means Congratulations and prosperity! May you enjoy good health.6. For siblings: Say Ru Yi Xing Tao which means May your wishes come true. This phrase shows your wish for your siblings' success in their endeavors.Greetings for Friends and Colleagues
7. For friends: Greet your friends with Nian Nian You Yu which means Abundance year after year. This phrase is used as a way to show your hope for endless prosperity and good fortune.8. For colleagues: Use Da Ji Da Li which means Big achievement, big profit as a way of wishing them success in their career.Other Phrases
9. Chen Jian Ruo Shui - It means Things will go smoothly. Say it when you want to express your hope that everything will work out well.10. Sheng Shi Ru Yi - This means All wishes come true and is often used to express hope for good luck and fortune.In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a wonderful time to connect with your Chinese friends, colleagues or relatives and show your appreciation for the culture and traditions associated with this important holiday. Knowing what to say and how to say it will help you build relationships, show respect, and spread joy and goodwill.What To Say For Chinese New Year: Wishing You All the Best in the Year of the Ox
Welcome to the Year of the Ox, one of the most popular festivals around the world, celebrated by millions and millions of people. As you prepare to embrace the lunar year, accompanied by vibrant colors, delicious food, lantern displays, and lively dragon dances, you might wonder what to say for Chinese New Year.
The general greeting for the festive season is Gong Xi Fa Cai, pronounced as 'Gong Hei Fat Choi', which means 'wishing you great wealth and prosperity.' However, there are a plethora of other greetings that can convey your wishes and brighten up someone's day.
In the following paragraphs, we will explore some common Chinese New Year greetings, their meanings, and when to use them.
1. Huān Lè Níng Yuàn - Happy New Year
This is a simple and straightforward greeting to express your happiness for the start of the new year. You can use this anytime during the festive period and to anyone irrespective of their age or relations.
2. Guò Nián Hǎo - Have a Good Year
This is another simple greeting to wish someone well during the season. It conveys your hope that the upcoming year will be filled with joy, happiness, and good fortunes.
3. Fù Cái Zhù Shòu - May your Wealth and Treasures be plentiful
This greeting emphasizes your wish for wealth and treasures for the recipient during the new year. You can use this when you are offering gifts or when you visit someone's home during the festivities.
4. Shēng Tiān Lóng Mǎ - A Dragon and a Horse for Your Birth Year
For those whose birth year aligns with the current lunar year, this greeting wishes them well with two symbolic animals, the dragon and the horse. The dragon symbolizes good luck and wisdom, while the horse is considered as an auspicious animal that represents success and speed.
5. Yùn Téng Cháng Shòu - Longevity and Health
This greeting expresses your desire for the recipient to have a long and healthy life, filled with vitality, peace, and contentment. It is a popular greeting among elderly relatives, friends and neighbors.
6. Jí Xiáng Ruì Guì - Lucky and Auspicious
This greeting conveys your hope for all things lucky and promising for your recipient. It is an optimistic message that accentuates the notion of good fortune and brings positivity to the new year.
7. Zhù Nǐ Hǎo Yùn - Wishing You Good Luck
This message offers your wish for the recipient to be blessed with good luck and fortune in the upcoming year. It is a versatile greeting that you can use for your family, colleagues, or friends.
8. Qián Nían Gāo Shì - Money and Career Growth
This greeting emphasizes your desire for financial stability and career growth for the recipient during the new year. It is an ideal message for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is starting or running a business.
9. Quàn Shì Jiē Dà - Family Reunions
The essence of the Chinese New Year celebration is to reunite with family and loved ones. This greeting signifies your hope that the recipient enjoys quality time with their families and experiences love, warmth, and togetherness.
10. Míng Yuè Tiān Bù Yì - Every Day is a Good Day
This greeting highlights your belief that every day in life should be cherished and celebrated. You can use this message when you are sending your wishes for the new year to anyone who needs some inspiration, motivation, or a simple reminder to appreciate life's beauty.
So, there you have it - ten fantastic Chinese New Year greetings that you can use to convey your best wishes for the new year to your friends, family, colleagues, and loved ones. Use them wisely and appropriately, depending on your relationship with the recipient and the context of the situation. Remember, the fundamental essence of the festival is to share your love, spread joy, and embrace happiness.
The festivities may come to an end, but the graces bestowed by these greetings last a lifetime. Once again, Gong Xi Fa Cai, have a prosperous and a happy new year filled with abundance, good health, success, and fortune!
What To Say For Chinese New Year
What are some common greetings for Chinese New Year?
During Chinese New Year, it is common to greet people with auspicious phrases. Here are some examples:
- Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财) - Wishing you prosperity
- Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐) - Happy New Year
- Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余) - Wishing you abundance every year
- Shen Ti Jian Kang (身体健康) - Wishing you good health
What should I avoid saying during Chinese New Year?
There are some phrases that are considered bad luck during Chinese New Year. Here are some examples:
- Anything related to death or illness.
- Using the number 'four' as it sounds similar to the word 'death' in Mandarin.
- Talking about past failures or mistakes.
How do I respond to someone who greets me?
If someone greets you with a Chinese New Year greeting, it is appropriate to respond with the same greeting or another auspicious wish. Here are some examples:
- Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财) - Reply with the same phrase or Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐).
- Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐) - Reply with the same phrase or Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财).
- Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余) - Reply with a thank you or another auspicious wish, such as Shi Shi Ru Yi (事事如意).
What gifts are appropriate to give during Chinese New Year?
Giving gifts is a common tradition during Chinese New Year. Here are some gift ideas:
- Hongbao (红包) - Red envelopes filled with money.
- Oranges and tangerines - Representing luck and wealth.
- Tea or wine - As a symbol of respect.
- Clothes with the lucky colors of red and gold.