恭喜发财
gōngxǐ fācái
kung hei fat choy is the Cantonese romanization of the Chinese greeting used to wish someone wealth and prosperity during the Chinese New Year.
The phrase is specifically used as a greeting during the Lunar New Year period to wish others prosperity and wealth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 恭喜 (gōngxǐ), meaning 'congratulations' and 发财 (fācái), meaning 'to get rich' or 'to make a fortune'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The romanization kung hei fat choy reflects the Cantonese pronunciation of the characters, whereas the Mandarin pronunciation is gōngxǐ fācái.
How do you pronounce it?
gōngxǐ fācái
When do people say it?
When saying this to elders or superiors during the New Year, it is customary to accompany the greeting with a slight bow or a polite gesture of respect.
Did you know?
- If you are receiving 'red envelopes' containing money after being wished this phrase, it is considered polite to refrain from opening them immediately in front of the giver.
- During the Lunar New Year, many people avoid saying anything that sounds like the word for 'death' or 'loss' to ensure their wish for 'wealth' comes true through positive speech.
- While the phrase is a blessing, it is common to see it written in red-gold calligraphy on doors or in business settings to physically attract 'fortune' into a space.
Examples in context
- 新年快乐，恭喜发财！Xīnnián kuàilè, gōngxǐ fācái!Happy New Year, wishing you prosperity!
- 祝您新年好，恭喜发财。Zhù nín xīnnián hǎo, gōngxǐ fācái.Wishing you a happy New Year and prosperity.
- 大家新年快乐，恭喜发财！Dàjiā xīnnián kuàilè, gōngxǐ fācái!Happy New Year everyone, wishing you all wealth!
Example conversation
Two friends meet during the Lunar New Year festival.
- 雨婷 Yuting俊杰，恭喜发财！Jùnjié, gōngxǐ fācái!Junjie, wishing you wealth and prosperity!
- 俊杰 Junjie雨婷，恭喜发财！Yǔtíng, gōngxǐ fācái!Yuting, wishing you wealth and prosperity too!
- 雨婷 Yuting你新年打算怎么过？Nǐ xīnnián dǎsuàn zěnme guò?How do you plan to spend the New Year?
- 俊杰 Junjie我想和家人一起吃晚餐。Wǒ xiǎng hé jiārén yīqǐ chī wǎncān.I want to have dinner with my family.
