How to say “happy Chinese New Year” in Chinese
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Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral.
Word by word
Tone tip
春节 (chūnjié) names the Spring Festival specifically, so this greeting is unambiguous, while 新年快乐 works for both 1 January and Lunar New Year. 节 rises (second tone); don't flatten it to match 春.
In a sentence
Chūnjié kuàilè, hóngbāo nálái!
Happy Chinese New Year, hand over the red envelope!
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Start freeFrequently asked questions
How do you say "happy Chinese New Year" in Chinese?+
"happy Chinese New Year" in Mandarin Chinese is 春节快乐, pronounced chūnjié kuàilè. 春节 (chūnjié) names the Spring Festival specifically, so this greeting is unambiguous, while 新年快乐 works for both 1 January and Lunar New Year. 节 rises (second tone); don't flatten it to match 春.
What does 春节快乐 mean literally?+
春节快乐 breaks down as 春节 (chūnjié) = Spring Festival / Chinese New Year, 快乐 (kuàilè) = happy / joyful. Together it means "happy Chinese New Year".
How do I get the tones right in chūnjié kuàilè?+
春节 (chūnjié) names the Spring Festival specifically, so this greeting is unambiguous, while 新年快乐 works for both 1 January and Lunar New Year. 节 rises (second tone); don't flatten it to match 春.
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