Do you hear that? It's the sound of the Chinese New Year approaching, which means it's time to brush up on your well-wishes and polite expressions before you get overwhelmed with food, baijiu, and (for those not in Beijing) fireworks.
Whether you’re celebrating with a Chinese friend’s or spouse’s family, or just want to greet people you encounter, arm yourself with some of the most frequently used expressions beyond 新年好 (xīn nián hǎo, “Happy New Year”), and get ready for the admiration and, if you’re particularly fortunate, hongbaos you may receive in response to your efforts.
New Year expressions are often quite specific based on the recipient's age and occupation. You can start every greeting with 祝你 (zhù nǐ) or 祝您 (zhù nín). Both translate to “may you,” but nín is more formal and is typically used when addressing elders or new acquaintances.
General well-wishes:
- 蛇年大吉 (shé nián dà jí) Good luck in the Year of the Snake
- 万事如意 (wàn shì rú yì) May all your wishes come true
- 心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng) May all your desires be fulfilled
- 一帆风顺 (yī fān fēng shun) Wishing you every success
- 岁岁平安 (suì suì píng ān) Wishing you peace and safety for the years ahead
- 阖家幸福 (hé jiā xìng fú) Wishing you and your family happiness
For elders:
- 健康长寿 (jiàn kāng cháng shòu) / 福寿安康 (fú shòu ān kāng) Wishing you good health and longevity
- 福如东海，寿比南山 (fú rú dōng hǎi, shòu bǐ nán shān) May your happiness be as vast as the Eastern Sea, and may you live as long as the Zhongnan Mountains
For businesspeople:
- 生意兴隆 (shēng yì xìng long) Wishing your business thrives
- 财源广进 (cái yuán guǎng jìn) May wealth flow into your pockets
For colleagues:
- 工作顺利 (gōng zuò shùn lì) Wishing you smooth work
- 步步高升 (bù bù gāo sheng) Wishing you frequent promotions
- 事业有成 (shì yè yǒu chéng) Wishing you a successful career
For students:
- 学习进步 (xué xí jìn bù) Wishing you progress in your studies
- 学业有成 (xué yè yǒu chéng) Wishing you great success in your academic pursuits
- 金榜题名 (jīn bǎng tí míng) Wishing you success in your exams (especially relevant for someone facing an important exam like the gaokao)
With that, may you have a joyful Chinese New Year!
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As the Chinese New Year nears, it's time to refresh your polite expressions before you get hit with baijiu and fireworks.