恭喜發財
kiong-hí hoat-châi
gong xi fa cai is the English name for the Hokkien phrase 恭喜發財 (kiong-hí hoat-châi), a greeting used to wish someone wealth and good fortune.
This phrase is used almost exclusively during the Lunar New Year period to wish others prosperity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of two parts: 恭喜 (kiong-hí), which means 'congratulations' and 發財 (hoat-châi), which means 'to become wealthy' or 'to prosper'.
How do you pronounce it?
kiong-hí hoat-châi
Did you know?
- In many Hokkien-speaking communities, this phrase is the verbal signal for the exchange of 'hongbao' or red envelopes containing money.
- The 'cai' in hoat-châi refers to wealth, but in a historical Hokkien context, it implies a sudden, auspicious stroke of luck or a windfall rather than just steady work.
- Although 恭喜發財 is written the same way across different Chinese dialects, the pronunciation in Hokkien differs significantly from the Mandarin 'gong xi fa cai' heard in most global media.
Examples in context
- 恭喜發財！kong hi hoat chhai!Wishing you wealth and prosperity!
- 大家恭喜發財。tai ka kong hi hoat chhai.Wishing everyone wealth and good fortune.
- 新年恭喜發財。sin nian kong hi hoat chhai.Wishing you wealth in the New Year.
Example conversation
Two relatives greet each other during a Lunar New Year visit.
- 家豪 Ka-hao佳怡，新年恭喜發財！jia yi, sin nian kong hi hoat chhai!Jia Yi, wishing you wealth in the New Year!
- 佳怡 Chia-yi家豪哥哥，恭喜發財！jia hao ko ko, kong hi hoat chhai!Brother Jia Hao, wishing you wealth and prosperity!
- 家豪 Ka-hao謝謝妳。sia sia li.Thank you.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi祝你身體健康。chik li sin ti kiang khong.I wish you good health.
