新年快乐
xīn nián kuài lè
To say "happy lunar year" in Chinese, use 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè).
新年快乐 is a greeting used to wish someone a happy New Year during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 新年快乐 is composed of 新年 (new year) and 快乐 (happy).
How do you pronounce it?
xīn nián kuài lè
When do people say it?
During the Lunar New Year, it is customary to exchange red envelopes, known as 红包, which contain money. Another common greeting used during this time, particularly when giving these red envelopes, is 恭喜发财, which means "Wishing you prosperity and wealth".
Did you know?
- The character 快 in 快乐 originally referred to speed. Over time, it evolved to describe a 'brisk' or 'unimpeded' feeling, which eventually became the word for happiness.
- In traditional Chinese culture, it is considered bad luck to use the word 'death' or 'loss' when wishing someone 新年快乐. People avoid any words that sound like misfortune to prevent 'spoiling' the luck of the new year.
- When writing 新年快乐, the color red is traditionally used for the characters. This is because the color red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
Examples in context
- 祝您新年快乐，阖家幸福，事业成功！Happy Lunar New Year to you and your family, may your career be successful!
- 愿新年带给您和您的家人健康、快乐和繁荣！Wishing you and your family health, happiness, and prosperity in the Lunar New Year!
- 新年好！祝福你心想事成，幸福常伴左右！Happy New Year! May your dreams come true and may happiness always be with you!
- 过年好！吃好喝好，尽情享受美食和团圆的时光！Have a good New Year! Eat well, drink well, and enjoy the delicious food and reunion time!
- 祝大家新年快乐！Zhù dàjiā xīnnián kuàilè!I wish everyone a happy New Year!
- 新年快乐，身体健康。Xīnnián kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng.Happy New Year and good health.
- 对你说一声，新年快乐。Duì nǐ shuō yīshēng, xīnnián kuàilè.I want to say to you, happy New Year.
Example conversation
Two friends meet during the Spring Festival.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，新年快乐！Hàorán, xīnnián kuàilè!Haoran, happy New Year!
- 浩然 Haoran谢谢雨婷，也祝你新年快乐。Xièxiè Yǔtíng, yě zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè.Thank you Yuting, I also wish you a happy New Year.
- 雨婷 Yuting你今年有什么打算吗？Nǐ jīnnián yǒu shéme dǎsuàn ma?Do you have any plans for this year?
- 浩然 Haoran我想回家陪父母。Wǒ xiǎng huí jiā péi fùmǔ.I want to go home to be with my parents.
