农历新年快乐
nónglì xīnnián kuàilè
The English phrase 'happy new lunar year' is translated into Chinese as 农历新年快乐 (nónglì xīnnián kuàilè).
This phrase is a greeting used to wish someone a happy New Year based on the lunar calendar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: 农历 (nónglì), which literally means 'agricultural calendar' (the standard term for the lunar calendar in Chinese). 新年 (xīnnián), which means 'new year' (composed of 新 meaning 'new' and 年 meaning 'year'). And 快乐 (kuàilè), which means 'happy' or 'joyful'.
Which one should you use?
While 农历新年快乐 is a literal way to say 'happy lunar new year', the more common and natural way to wish someone a happy Chinese New Year is 春节快乐. You can also shorten the phrase to 新年快乐 to simply say 'Happy New Year'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern China, particularly in Cantonese-speaking regions like Hong Kong and Guangdong, it is popular to use 恭喜发财 to convey wishes for prosperity and good fortune.
How do you pronounce it?
nónglì xīnnián kuàilè
Did you know?
- The word 年 (nián) originally referred to a harvest, and ancient legends say it described a mythical beast that terrified villagers until they learned to scare it away with red decorations and noise.
- To avoid bad luck during the time people say 新年快乐, some traditions forbid sweeping the floor on the first day of the year, as this is thought to sweep away the good fortune.
- While 新年快乐 is a verbal wish, the character for 'spring' 春 is often written as a large, decorative calligraphy scroll and hung on doors to welcome the new year.
Examples in context
- 农历新年快乐，祝你身体健康。Nónglì xīnnián kuàilè, zhù nǐ shēntǐ jiànkāng.Happy lunar new year, I wish you good health.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street during the holiday.
- 雨婷 Yuting俊杰，农历新年快乐！Jùnjié, nónglì xīnnián kuàilè!Junjie, happy New lunar year!
- 俊杰 Junjie雨婷，你也农历新年快乐！Yǔtíng, nǐ yě nónglì xīnnián kuàilè!Yuting, happy New lunar year to you too!
- 雨婷 Yuting你回家过年了吗？Nǐ huíjiā guònián le ma?Did you go home for the New Year?
- 俊杰 Junjie是的，我刚回来。Shì de, wǒ gāng huílái.Yes, I just got back.
