新年快樂
Sin-nî khoài-lo̍k
The English phrase "happy new year" is translated into Hokkien as 新年快樂 (Sin-nî khoài-lo̍k).
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Sin-nî (new year) and khoài-lo̍k (happy).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Penang, Malaysia, Hokkien speakers use the phrase Kong Hi Huat Chye for New Year wishes.
How do you pronounce it?
Sin-nî khoài-lo̍k
Did you know?
- During the New Year, some Hokkien speakers avoid using words that sound like 'death' or 'loss', even if they are not part of the phrase 新年快樂.
- The phrase is often spoken while wearing red clothing, as the color red is believed to scare away the mythical beast Nian and bring good luck.
- Because Hokkien is often a spoken dialect without a single standardized way to write it, you might see different characters used for the same sounds in different countries.
Examples in context
- 新年快樂！sin-nî khòai-lo̍k!Happy New Year!
- 祝你新年快樂。Tsiok lí sin-nî khòai-lo̍k.I wish you a happy new year.
- 大家新年快樂。Ta̍i-ke sin-nî khòai-lo̍k.Happy new year to everyone.
Example conversation
Two friends meet during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
- 建宏 Kian-hong佳怡，新年快樂！Chia-i, sin-nî khòai-lo̍k!Jia-yi, happy new year!
- 佳怡 Chia-yi建宏，也祝你新年快樂。Kiàn-âng, iā tsiok lí sin-nî khòai-lo̍k.Jianhong, I wish you a happy new year too.
- 建宏 Kian-hong新年快樂，身體健康。Sin-nî khòai-lo̍k, sin-thé kiàn-khong.Happy new year, and stay healthy.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi謝謝你，新年快樂。Tsiā-siā lí, sin-nî khòai-lo̍k.Thank you, happy new year.
