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!
The Security Agreement between China and the Solomon Islands has led to dire forecasts about a possible Chinese naval base and a continuous presence of Chinese troops in the Solomons, which poses significant implications for Australia's national security. There were alarmist claims that the Solomon Islands were turning into another ‘Cuba’ near our shore, prompting then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison to issue foreboding warnings about certain ‘red lines’ that must be respected. This politically motivated discourse diverted focus from the genuine concerns regarding the wide-ranging potential implications of the agreement.
Beijing has several bars that feature pool tables. Here are some of our top recommendations.
The year 2021 witnessed a series of notable celebrity cancellations, such as actor Zhang Zhehan, known for the popular danmei 耽美 (Boys' Love) series Word of Honor, pop star Kris Wu 吴亦凡 who was detained on allegations of rape, and actress Zheng Shuang 郑爽 who faced penalties for tax evasion. The emergence of this heightened culture of celebrity cancellations in China is not solely driven by authentic social sentiments or the tightening control of the Party-State; instead, it is fueled by an increasingly competitive industry with monopolistic influence that spans social media platforms, streaming and video-sharing services, along with state-run media.
Ngan Shun-kau, the ex-Red Guard leader who has become a literary editor, interprets the significance of the two Chinese proverbs referenced by Xi Jinping and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
-for-the-CNY-Holiday-2025.png)
If you intend to be in Beijing during Spring Festival, you might be curious about which places will be open during the holiday.
All the winter vocabulary you'll require if the temperatures drop significantly.
As the Chinese New Year nears, it's time to refresh your polite expressions before you get hit with baijiu and fireworks.