Do you want to learn how to wish people a happy new year in Chinese before you attend the Chinese new year celebrations? Then, you’ve found the perfect place, as we’ll cover Chinese traditions and ways to greet the Chinese New Year.
There is no more fabulous celebration in China than the New Year (or 新年, pronounced as xīn nián), commonly known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. Celebrations begin on the eve of Chinese New Year and continue until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar year, a length of nearly two weeks.
In 2023, the Chinese New Year will begin on Sunday, January 22nd, welcoming the Year of the Rabbit, an animal sign according to the Chinese zodiac cycle.
Compared to other countries, China’s New Year celebrations stand out not just because of their duration but also because of their unique traditions. So, before we get into some great Chinese New Year wishes, let’s take a moment to explore some of the fascinating practices of the Chinese New Year together.
Traditions For The Chinese New Year
Typical New Year’s Eve activities include hosting a large dinner, going on a trip, attending a party, or going to a concert celebrating the countdown to the new year. Although the Chinese New Year celebrations are similar to those in other countries, the Chinese people continue to honor their ancient traditions, which are primarily focused on the home and family.
Three main traditions must be observed during the Chinese New Year celebration. So come on, let’s check it out!
1. Performing Rituals In Honor Of The Ancestors
Before a family reunion meal, it’s typical to pay a visit to the graves of departed ancestors and offer sacrifices to their spirits to give their ancestors a head start on the meal symbolically. However, they can instead prepare a meal for their ancestors and light a joss stick in their own homes, eliminating the need for a trip to the graveyard.
2. Putting Red Decorations In Their Houses
It’s widely held that the color red brings good fortune and energy in the upcoming Lunar New Year; hence red is strongly included in celebrations. That’s why you’ll see lots of red in the form of lanterns hung out around the streets and on people’s homes.
3. Red Envelopes Exchanging
Red envelopes are the traditional envelope for giving presents in China. Kids and retirees commonly receive cash in red envelopes.
How To Say Happy New Year In Chinese
Now that you know what to expect from a Chinese New Year, it’s time to learn some often used phrases to greet your friends and family.
| Chinese Word | Pronunciation | English Definition |
| 新年快乐 | xīn nián kuài lè | Happy new year |
| 中国新年快乐 | zhōngguó xīnnián kuàilè | Happy Chinese new year |
| 恭喜发财 | gōng xǐ fā cái | Wish you happiness and prosperity! |
| 春节快乐 | chūnjié kuàilè | Happy spring festival |
| 身体健康 | shēn tǐ jiàn kāng | Good health |
| 祝您新年快乐,身体健康 | zhù nín xīn nián kuài lè, shēn tǐ jiàn kāng | Wish you a happy new year and good health |
| 长命百岁 | cháng mìng bǎi suì | May you live for one hundred years |
| 新年快乐, 阖家幸福 | xīn nián kuài lè, hé jiā xìng fú | Happy new year and happy family |
| 心想事成 | xīn xiǎng shì chéng | May all your wish come true |
| 恭喜发财，红包拿来 | gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái | Wish prosperity and good fortune; Give me red envelopes |
| 新年快乐, 大吉大利 | xīn nián kuài lè, dà jí dà lì | Happy new year, good luck, and high profits |
| 事业有成 | shìyè yǒuchéng | Success in your career |
| 一帆风顺 | yīfān fēngshùn | May everything go smoothly |
Is “Gong Hei Fat Choy” Same To “Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái”?
Cantonese is spoken in several regions of southern China and Hong Kong, and “Gong hei fat choy” (恭喜发财) is the most popular Chinese New Year greeting. It means “wishing you great happiness and prosperity.” Looking at the table, you can see that “Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái” (恭喜发财) means the same thing. So, the meaning of these two statements is the same, but their dialectic forms are different.
Summary
Familiarizing yourself with the various Chinese New Year greetings can help you make a favorable impression on the locals. In addition, you’ll have a far better time at the party due to your familiarity with the traditions of the hosts. The Chinese people have a rich history and continue to honor their traditions today. If you have Chinese friends, you can use our tips to send them well wishes in their language. In this manner, you can learn the language and fully immerse yourself in Chinese culture.
Learn Chinese With Ling Now!
Attending Chinese New Year celebrations will be more fun if you know how to say a happy new year in Chinese and can impress the locals with your proficiency. And increase your Chinese vocabulary using a top app like Ling so you can talk to people at the party!
Ling provides a large amount of practical Chinese language you can use straight away in your conversations. Moreover, you can study whenever and at any speed. As you know that Chinese characters are one challenging thing, and you need to practice remembering them. The good news is that you can also practice writing Chinese letters on the Ling app! Further, our fantastic chatbot will allow you to hear how native speakers pronounce all this together. Doesn’t it just sound amazing to you?
Most Chinese learners chose Ling to help them succeed, so why not join them? Download the Ling App from the Google PlayStore and Apple AppStore now, and prepare to be fluent in Chinese soon!
