新年快乐
xīn nián kuài lè
新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè) is the Chinese phrase for "happy lunar new year".
新年快乐 is the standard way to say "Happy New Year" during the Lunar New Year period.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 新年 (new year) and 快乐 (happy).
Which one should you use?
While 新年快乐 is the standard greeting, 新春快乐 refers specifically to the joy of the Spring Festival and 过年好 is a more casual way to say "Happy New Year". Additionally, the greeting 恭喜发财 is often used during this time, which focuses on wishing someone prosperity and wealth.
How do you pronounce it?
xīn nián kuài lè
Did you know?
- While 新年快乐 is a general wish, you might see the character 福 (fortune) pasted upside down on doors. This is because the word for 'upside down' sounds like the word for 'arrive' in Chinese, signifying that fortune has arrived.
- The greeting 新年快乐 is often shouted during the lighting of firecrackers. Historically, the noise was not just for celebration but was intended to scare away a mythical beast called the 年 (Nian).
- During the period when people say 新年快乐, it is traditionally considered bad luck to sweep the floor or take out the trash. Doing so is thought to sweep away the good luck the greeting intends to bring.
Examples in context
- 祝你新年快乐。Zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè.I wish you a happy New Year.
- 新年快乐，大家身体健康。Xīnnián kuàilè, dàjiā shēntǐ jiànkāng.Happy New Year, and good health to everyone.
Example conversation
Two colleagues meet at a holiday party.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen志强，新年快乐！Zhìqiáng, xīnnián kuàilè!Zhiqiang, happy New Year!
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢晓雯，也祝你新年快乐。Xièxiè Xiǎowén, yě zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè.Thank you Xiaowen, I wish you a happy New Year too.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你过年打算做什么？Nǐ guònián dǎsuàn zuò shénme?What are your plans for the New Year?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我会回家陪家人。Wǒ huì huíjiā péi jiārén.I will go home to stay with my family.
