Learn How to Say Happy Chinese New Year in Mandarin and Other Dialogue Phrases.

Chinese New Year: How To Say It

As one of the biggest celebrations in Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year is a time of joy and excitement. However, if you're not familiar with the language and customs, it can be challenging to navigate. But fear not! In this article, we'll help you learn how to say some essential phrases that will enable you to join in on the festivities and have a great time.

Why Is the Chinese New Year Important?

The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated at the turn of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually falling between January 21st and February 20th. It marks the beginning of the new year, and the festivities last for 15 days.

The holiday is significant to Chinese culture because it's a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and hoping for good fortune in the coming year. It's also an opportunity to indulge in delicious food, exchange gifts, and watch vibrant dragon and lion dances.

Learn These Phrases to Celebrate With Your Chinese Friends:

1. Xīn nián kuài lè! (Happy New Year!) This phrase is a must-know and perfect for greeting your Chinese friends during the holiday season.

2. Gōng xǐ fā cái! (Wishing you prosperity!) is used when exchanging gifts or well wishes for the new year.

3. Chūn jié (Spring Festival) is another name for the Chinese New Year. You can use this to refer to the holiday in a more formal setting.

Common Practices During Chinese New Year

4. Hóng bāo (red envelopes) are a popular gift during the Chinese New Year. They contain money and are given to children, younger relatives, and employees as a gesture of good fortune.

5. Nián gāo (New Year cake) is a sticky sweet rice cake that symbolizes growth and progress in the new year. It's one of the most traditional foods enjoyed during the holiday.

6. Shǒu sī (cleaning) is a crucial practice before New Year's Day. Cleaning your home is believed to rid it of bad luck and make way for good fortune in the coming year.

Get Ready to Celebrate

7. Bàinián (visiting family and friends) is an essential activity during the Chinese New Year. You'll get to sample delicious food and hear firecrackers being set off in the distance.

8. Yuánxiāo jié (Lantern Festival) marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations on the 15th day of the lunar month. It's a beautiful time when lanterns are lit and released into the night sky.

9. Xiǎo jūn yàng (the Year of the Sheep) is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. In 2021, it's the year of the Ox, so expect to see plenty of decorations and celebrations surrounding this animal.

The Bottom Line

10. So there you have it, ten essential phrases and practices to celebrate the Chinese New Year with your Chinese friends. With these phrases, you'll be able to express good wishes, enjoy some fantastic food, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of one of the world's oldest civilizations. Happy Chinese New Year!

"Chinese New Year How To Say" ~ bbaz

The Chinese New Year is one of the most significant cultural events celebrated annually by millions of people all around the world. It is also known as the Spring Festival and marks the beginning of the lunar new year according to the Chinese calendar. The festivities last for 15 days and include a diverse range of customs and traditions, including food, family reunions, and fireworks!

Learning the Greetings

As with any traditional celebration, it's important to learn how to greet others on this special day. One common greeting is xin nian kuai le, which translates to Happy New Year. Another popular greeting is gong xi fa cai, which means wishing you prosperity.

It's also customary to say wan shi ru yi when giving red envelopes filled with money to children or loved ones. This phrase means may everything go smoothly for you.

Dressing Up

On the first day of the Chinese New Year, it's traditional to dress up in new clothes to signify a fresh start to the year. Red is a particularly auspicious color, as it's believed to bring good luck and fortune. It's also common to wear clothing with intricate designs featuring the zodiac animal of the year.

Cooking Traditional Foods

Food is a major part of the Chinese New Year festivities. Families often gather together to prepare and eat traditional dishes such as dumplings, noodles, and fish. Dumplings are particularly popular, as their shape resembles ancient Chinese currency and are therefore believed to bring wealth and prosperity. It's also customary to serve oranges and tangerines, as their round shape and golden color symbolize wealth and good fortune.

Decorating Your Home

To create a festive atmosphere, many families decorate their homes with red lanterns and paper cut-outs featuring zodiac animals. Chinese characters displaying auspicious phrases such as wealth and happiness are also common.

Watching the Fireworks

Fireworks are an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebration. It's believed that fireworks can scare away evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune. Many cities around the world host extravagant fireworks displays on New Year's Eve.

The Zodiac Animal of the Year

Each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals in Chinese astrology. In 2021, the year of the Ox is celebrated. Those born under the sign of the Ox are thought to be honest, hardworking, and reliable.

Celebrating with Family

The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions. Many people travel long distances to be with their loved ones for this special holiday. It's a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the forthcoming year with optimism and hope.

Giving Red Envelopes

Red envelopes, or hong bao, are typically given to children and unmarried adults during the Chinese New Year. They contain money and are seen as a token of good luck and fortune. Married couples often give red envelopes to their single friends and family members.

Participating in Cultural Events

Cities all around the world celebrate the Chinese New Year with various cultural events, such as dragon and lion dances, parades, and food festivals. These events are a great opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture and to experience the festivities first-hand.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time of joy, togetherness, and the welcoming of a new beginning. With these tips, you can not only show your appreciation for Chinese culture but also be an active participant in the celebrations of the Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year How To Say: A Language Comparison

The Significance of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is usually celebrated in late January or early February. This festival is a time for family reunions, exchanging gifts, and enjoying delicious food.

The Language of Chinese New Year

The language used during Chinese New Year is an integral part of the celebration. In this article, we’ll be comparing how Chinese New Year phrases are said in Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Hokkien. These three languages are the most commonly spoken varieties of Chinese in the world.

How to Say “Happy New Year”

The most common greeting during Chinese New Year is “Happy New Year”. To say this in Mandarin Chinese, you would say “Xīn Nián Kuài Lè” (新年快乐). In Cantonese, the phrase is “Sun Nin Fai Lok” (新年快樂) and in Hokkien it’s “Kiong Hee Huat Tsai” (恭喜发财).

Mandarin Chinese	Cantonese	Hokkien
Xīn Nián Kuài Lè	Sun Nin Fai Lok	Kiong Hee Huat Tsai

In terms of pronunciation, all three phrases sound quite different. Mandarin Chinese uses a rising tone for “Xīn” and a falling-rising tone for “Kuài Lè”. Cantonese has more of a sing-song quality with an emphasis on the “Sun Nin” part of the phrase. Hokkien, on the other hand, is a very different language from Mandarin and Cantonese. It’s spoken mainly in southern China, Taiwan, and Singapore.

How to Say “Red Envelope”

During Chinese New Year, it’s customary to give gifts of money in red envelopes. To refer to these envelopes in Mandarin Chinese, you would say “Hóng Bāo” (红包). In Cantonese, the phrase is “Lì Xì” (利是) and in Hokkien it’s “Ang Pow” (红包).

Mandarin Chinese	Cantonese	Hokkien
Hóng Bāo	Lì Xì	Ang Pow

The pronunciation of these phrases is also quite different. In Mandarin Chinese, “Hóng” has a rising tone and “Bāo” has a neutral tone. Cantonese pronounces the “Lì” with a high tone and the “Xì” with a low tone. Hokkien has a more even tone and pronunciation of “Ang Pow”.

How to Say “Dragon Dance”

The dragon dance is a traditional performance during Chinese New Year where a group of dancers carry a long dragon made of fabric and paper. To talk about the dragon dance in Mandarin Chinese, you would say “Lóng Wǔ” (龙舞). In Cantonese, the phrase is “Lung Ngai” (龍鯨) and in Hokkien it’s “Tua Pek Kong” (大伯公).

Mandarin Chinese	Cantonese	Hokkien
Lóng Wǔ	Lung Ngai	Tua Pek Kong

Again, these phrases sound quite different from each other. Mandarin Chinese emphasizes the “Lóng” with a rising tone and the “Wǔ” with a falling-rising tone. Cantonese has a similar pronunciation to Mandarin but with a difference in the word for “dragon”. Hokkien’s “Tua Pek Kong” is quite different in both tone and vocabulary.

The Conclusion

As we can see, even in the same language family, there are many variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. Despite these differences, the meaning behind the words remains the same. Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and joy, no matter which language you speak. Whether you’re saying “Xīn Nián Kuài Lè” or “Kiong Hee Huat Tsai”, the sentiment is still “Happy New Year”.

Chinese New Year How To Say

Introduction

Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China. It is a time of great celebration, family gatherings, and traditional customs. As a foreigner, learning how to say basic Chinese New Year greetings will help you join in and appreciate the festivities.

1. Learn the basics

The basic greeting for Chinese New Year is “Xin Nian Kuai Le ” which means “Happy New Year”. Another common phrase is “Gong Xi Fa Cai” which means Wish you prosperity.

2. The Importance of Red Envelopes

Red envelopes are an important part of Chinese New Year tradition. They contain money and are given to children and young adults from older family members as a symbol of good luck and blessings. You can practise saying “Hong Bao Na Lai” which means “give me my red envelope”.

3. Thanking and Greeting Hosts

Greet your hosts with “Xie Xie” which means thank you and “Ni Hao” which means hello. After receiving your red envelope, it is polite to say “Xin Nian Kuai Le” to show appreciation.

4. Eating Traditional Foods

Food is a significant part of Chinese New Year and many dishes hold symbolic meaning such as longevity, wealth and good fortune. Some of the most popular dishes include dumplings, fish, and nian gao which is a sticky rice cake. Try saying “Hao Chi” which means delicious when enjoying your meal.

5. Expressing Good Wishes

Aside from “Xin Nian Kuai Le ” and Gong Xi Fa Cai”, there are other wishes that you can express to your Chinese friends and colleagues. For example, you can say “Wan Shi Ru Yi” which means “May all your wishes come true” or “Man Di Huang Jin” which means “Fill your pockets with gold.”

6. Using Nianhua

Nianhua are decorative posters that are displayed during Chinese New Year. They often feature beautiful calligraphy and designs, as well as traditional symbols such as the Chinese Zodiac animals. You can comment on the beauty of the decorations by saying “Hao Kan” which means “looks beautiful”.

7. The Traditional Clothing Hanfu

Qipao for women, and Mao suit for men are common attire during Chinese New Year. Many people also wear Hanfu which is traditional Chinese clothing that may have intricate designs and embroidery. You can compliment someone's outfit by saying “Zhen Piao Liang” which means “Looks very beautiful”.

8. Showing Respect to Elders

When meeting and greeting elderly relatives or family members during Chinese New Year, it is customary to use more formal language. Use “Ni Hao” when greeting and add “Tie Fan Le Ma?” which means “Have you eaten yet?” as a sign of respect.

9. Learning the Customs

Chinese New Year customs are varied and unique depending on the region. Some examples include setting off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, cleaning your home to rid it of negative energy, and visiting family and friends. The key to participating in customs is to learn and respect them.

10. Practising Cultural Sensitivity

It is important to respect and appreciate Chinese culture when attending New Year celebrations. This means being open-minded, asking questions, and being respectful of traditions and customs. Phrases like Xie Xie and Ni Hao signal that you take the time to learn and appreciate the language and culture.

Conclusion

Learning a few basic Chinese New Year greetings and customs can help to make the festival more enjoyable for everyone. Polite conversation starters and showing respect to the traditions of Chinese New Year demonstrate an interest in, and appreciation for, Chinese culture. So, don’t hesitate, join in on the fun and celebrations!

The Ultimate Guide on How to Say Chinese New Year Greetings

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it's time to celebrate the coming of a brand new year! If you're planning on celebrating the festivities with your Chinese friends, it's always best to know a few Mandarin or Cantonese phrases to get by. In this article, we will be sharing with you the ultimate guide on how to say Chinese New Year greetings.

Before we dive into the different phrases, let's talk about the significance of the Chinese New Year. It is the most important traditional holiday in China, and it is celebrated by over a billion people worldwide. The holiday is based on the lunar calendar and usually falls between January 21st and February 20th.

The Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. During the holiday, people gather with their families, exchange gifts and red envelopes with money, and eat traditional foods.

Now, let's move on to the fun part – the greetings! Here are some of the most common phrases you should know:

1. Gong Xi Fa Cai – This is probably the most popular phrase you'll hear during the Chinese New Year. It means Congratulations and prosperity and is a general greeting for the holiday.

2. Xin Nian Kuai Le – This phrase means Happy New Year and can be used throughout the holiday season.

3. Hong Bao Na Lai – This is a phrase that is commonly said to children during the Chinese New Year. It means Red envelope please and is usually followed by the person giving a red envelope filled with money.

4. Gong Zhu Jing Shen – This phrase means wishing you prosperity. It is another popular greeting used during the Chinese New Year.

5. Wan Shi Ru Yi – This phrase means may everything go smoothly. It is often used to wish business partners and colleagues good fortune in the new year.

6. Man Di Huang Jin – This phrase means fill the house with gold and jade. It is used to wish the family good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.

7. Sheng Ti Jian Kang – This phrase means good health and well-being. It is a common greeting used during the Chinese New Year.

8. He Jia Huan Xin – This phrase means warmest wishes for a happy family reunion. It is usually said to friends and family members who are gathering together to celebrate the holiday.

9. Fu Gui Quan Shou – This phrase means may wealth come your way. It is often used during the Chinese New Year to wish people financial success in the new year.

10. Bai Nian Hao He – This phrase means wishing you safe and prosperous travels. It is often used when someone is traveling during the holiday season.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time for celebrating with family and friends. By learning these simple phrases, you can show your respect for Chinese culture and bring a smile to someone's face. We hope you have a wonderful Chinese New Year filled with happiness, love, and prosperity!

Thank you for reading this article on how to say Chinese New Year greetings! We hope that it has been helpful to you. May the Year of the Ox bring you and your loved ones good fortune and success. Happy Chinese New Year!

Learn How to Say Happy Chinese New Year in Mandarin and Other Dialogue Phrases.