新年快乐
xīnnián kuàilèeveryday, Singapore
In Singapore Chinese, which is Mandarin, "Happy New Year" is 新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè). For Chinese New Year people also say 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái), a wish for wealth. It is also called 新年好 (xīnnián hǎo).
Meaning: new year greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 新年快乐 | xīnnián kuàilè | everyday, Singapore |
| 新年好 | xīnnián hǎo | casual |
| 恭喜发财 | gōngxǐ fācái | Chinese New Year |
新年快乐 works for both the January 1 new year and the Lunar New Year. 恭喜发财 is saved for Chinese New Year and is said to friends, relatives and colleagues.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Singapore uses Mandarin alongside English, Malay and Tamil, and many Chinese Singaporeans also use English or dialects at home.
When do people say it?
In Singapore, families and offices toss 鱼生 (yúshēng), a raw fish salad, during Chinese New Year as a wish for good luck. It is a custom also found in Malaysia.
Did you know?
- 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) is one of the best known Chinese New Year phrases and is often printed on red decorations.
Examples in context
- 新年快乐！xīnnián kuàilè!Happy New Year!
- 恭喜发财，红包拿来！gōngxǐ fācái, hóngbāo nálái!Wishing you wealth, give me the red packet!
- 祝你新年快乐，身体健康。zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng.Happy New Year and good health to you.
Example conversation
Mei Ling visits her grandparents for the first day of Chinese New Year in Singapore, where Grandpa gives her a red packet.
- Mei Ling阿公阿嬷，新年快乐！āgōng āmā, xīnnián kuàilè!Grandpa and Grandma, Happy New Year!
- Grandpa新年快乐，来，红包给你。xīnnián kuàilè, lái, hóngbāo gěi nǐ.Happy New Year, here, a red packet for you.
- Mei Ling谢谢阿公，恭喜发财！xièxie āgōng, gōngxǐ fācái!Thank you Grandpa, wishing you wealth!
