Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated by Chinese people worldwide, and it marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar. If you want to learn how to say “Chinese New Year” in Chinese, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this phrase.
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Formal Ways to Say Chinese New Year in Chinese:
1. 新年 (xīn nián) – This is the most common and formal expression for “New Year” in Chinese. When referring to the Chinese New Year, you can simply say “新年” to mean “Chinese New Year.”
Example: “我们在新年期间会聚在一起庆祝。” (Wǒmen zài xīnnián qījiān huì jù zài yīqǐ qìngzhù.)
Translation: “We will gather together to celebrate during the Chinese New Year.”
2. 春节 (chūn jié) – “春” means “spring,” and “节” means “festival.” Together, they form “春节,” which specifically refers to the Chinese New Year.
Example: “春节是中国最重要的节日之一。” (Chūnjié shì zhōngguó zuì zhòngyào de jiérì zhī yī.)
Translation: “The Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals in China.”
Informal Ways to Say Chinese New Year in Chinese:
1. 过年 (guò nián) – This is a commonly used, informal way to say “celebrate the New Year” or “Chinese New Year.”
Example: “我们这家人每年都会回家过年。” (Wǒmen zhè jiā rén měinián dōuhuì huíjiā guònián.)
Translation: “Our family goes back home to celebrate the Chinese New Year every year.”
2. 过大年 (guò dà nián) – Similar to “过年,” this informal phrase expresses the act of celebrating the Chinese New Year with a focus on the festive atmosphere of the occasion.
Example: “街上到处都是人，都在过大年的气氛中。” (Jiēshàng dàochù dōu shì rén, dōu zài guò dànián de qìfēn zhōng.)
Translation: “The streets are crowded with people, all immersed in the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.”
Tips for Pronouncing and Writing:
1. In formal Chinese, the pronunciation for “新年” is “xīn nián,” with the neutral tone on both characters. When saying “春节,” pronounce it as “chūn jié,” with the third tone on “chūn” and the second tone on “jié.”
2. In informal Chinese, the pronunciation for “过年” is “guò nián,” with the fourth tone on “guò” and the neutral tone on “nián.” For “过大年,” it is pronounced as “guò dà nián,” with the fourth tone on “guò,” the neutral tone on “dà,” and the neutral tone on “nián.”
Regional Variations:
While the formal and informal ways to say Chinese New Year remain consistent across many Chinese-speaking regions, there are some regional variations in colloquial expressions.
In southern China, particularly in Guangdong and Hong Kong, people often use “过年” (guò nìhn) or “过新年” (guò sān nīhn) in Cantonese, which is different from Mandarin but conveys the same meaning. Similarly, in other Chinese dialects, the pronunciation and characters used to represent “Chinese New Year” may vary.
Conclusion:
Chinese New Year, known as “新年” or “春节,” is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across China and by Chinese people around the world. Informally, you can use the expressions “过年” or “过大年” to refer to this festive occasion. Remember to greet your Chinese friends with a hearty “新年快乐!” (xīn nián kuài lè) or “恭喜发财!” (gōng xǐ fā cái) during this auspicious holiday season. May your Chinese New Year be filled with happiness, good fortune, and wonderful memories!
