How to say “happy new year” in Chinese
Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral.
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At Chinese New Year you'll also hear 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái), a wish for wealth and prosperity rather than just a greeting.
In a sentence
新年快乐，恭喜发财！
Xīnnián kuàilè, gōngxǐ fācái!
Happy New Year, and may you prosper!
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Start freeFrequently asked questions
How do you say "happy new year" in Chinese?+
"happy new year" in Mandarin Chinese is 新年快乐, pronounced xīnnián kuàilè. At Chinese New Year you'll also hear 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái), a wish for wealth and prosperity rather than just a greeting.
What does 新年快乐 mean literally?+
新年快乐 breaks down as 新年 (xīnnián) = new year, 快乐 (kuàilè) = happy / joyful. Together it means "happy new year".
How do I get the tones right in xīnnián kuàilè?+
At Chinese New Year you'll also hear 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái), a wish for wealth and prosperity rather than just a greeting.
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