新婚快乐
xīn hūn kuài lè
The Chinese phrase for "happy wedding" is 新婚快乐 (xīn hūn kuài lè).
新婚快乐 is used as a direct greeting to congratulate a couple on their marriage.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 新婚 (newly married) and 快乐 (happy).
Which one should you use?
While "happy wedding" is a common English greeting, in Chinese, the phrase 新婚快乐 specifically focuses on the state of being 新婚 (newly married) rather than the ceremony itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guangdong province, the Cantonese phrase 祝你哋結婚快樂 is a popular way to say happy wedding.
How do you pronounce it?
xīn hūn kuài lè
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese weddings, the color red symbolizes luck and joy, while white is traditionally associated with mourning. An English speaker wearing a white dress or suit to a traditional ceremony might be misunderstood.
- The concept of 'double happiness' is often paired with 新婚快乐. The character 囍, which is just the character for 'joy' (喜) written twice, is a visual shorthand used in decorations to wish the couple a lasting bond.
- In some regions, people supplement 新婚快乐 with the phrase 早生贵子, which literally means 'give birth to a precious child soon'. This reflects a traditional cultural emphasis on continuing the family lineage.
Examples in context
- 今天是你们成为夫妻的大日子，好好庆祝吧Today is the big day when you become husband and wife. Celebrate it well!
- 祝你们新婚快乐！Zhù nǐmen xīnhūn kuàilè!Wish you both a happy wedding!
- 新婚快乐，要一直幸福哦。Xīnhūn kuàilè, yào yīzhí xìngfú o.Happy wedding, stay happy forever.
- 再次祝你们新婚快乐。Zàicì zhù nǐmen xīnhūn kuàilè.Wish you a happy wedding once again.
Example conversation
Wei visits Zihan at her wedding reception.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，新婚快乐！Zǐhán, xīnhūn kuàilè!Zihan, happy wedding!
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢伟，谢谢你的祝福。Xièxiè Wěi, xièxiè nǐ de zhùfú.Thank you Wei, thank you for your blessings.
- 伟 Wei今天你真的很漂亮。Jīntiān nǐ zhēn de hěn piàoliang.You look really beautiful today.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢，很高兴你能来。Xièxiè, hěn gāoxìng nǐ néng lái.Thank you, I am very happy you could come.
