What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 新年 (xīnnián), meaning 'new year' and 快乐 (kuàilè), meaning 'happy'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
While 新年快乐 is the standard Chinese greeting, other variations exist in different dialects. For example, in Cantonese, one might use San Nin Fai Lok for Happy New Year or use the phrase Gong Hey Fat Choy (the Cantonese equivalent of Gong Xi Fa Cai). In Teochew, the phrase Kiong Hee Huat Chye has a similar meaning and in Hakka, Fatt Choy is often used as a shorthand for wishing prosperity.
How do you pronounce it?
xīnnián kuàilè
When do people say it?
During celebrations, it is customary to exchange red envelopes, known as hongbao, which contain money as a symbol of good luck and blessings. You may also encounter the phrase Gong Xi Fa Cai, where Gong Xi means wishing you joy and Fa Cai means to become wealthy.
Did you know?
- When giving the red envelopes mentioned in the context of the New Year, you should never use the phrase 新年快乐 to describe the money itself. Instead, the money inside is often referred to as 压岁钱 (yā suì qián), which literally means 'money to suppress the years' or 'age'.
- The character 快 (kuài) in 快乐 originally meant 'fast' or 'quick'. Its evolution into a word for 'happiness' suggests a linguistic link between a light, brisk spirit and a joyful state of mind.
- In many Chinese households, the phrase 新年快乐 is accompanied by the act of cleaning the entire house. This is not just spring cleaning, but a symbolic way to sweep away the bad luck of the previous year to make room for the 'new' in 新年.
Examples in context
- 祝大家新年快乐。Zhù dàjiā xīnnián kuàilè.I wish everyone a happy new year.
- 新年快乐，朋友！Xīnnián kuàilè, péngyǒu!Happy new year, friend!
Example conversation
Haoran and Xiaowen meet at a New Year party.
- 浩然 Haoran晓雯，新年快乐！Xiǎowén, xīnnián kuàilè!Xiaowen, happy new year!
- 晓雯 Xiaowen浩然，也祝你新年快乐。Hàorán, yě zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè.Haoran, happy new year to you too.
- 浩然 Haoran谢谢，今天很高兴见到你。Xièxiè, jīntiān hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ.Thank you, it is good to see you today.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我也是，祝你一切顺利。Wǒ yě shì, zhù nǐ yīqiè shùnlì.Me too, I wish you all the best.
