How to say “happy new year” in Chinese

The short answer

新年快乐

xīnnián kuàilèshin-nyen kwai-luh

Happy New Year in Mandarin is 新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè). For Lunar New Year you'll also hear 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái), a wish for prosperity.

4 ways to say happy new year in Chinese

  1. 新年快乐

    xīnnián kuàilèshin-nyen kwai-luh

    Means: Happy New Year

    Use it: Both January 1 and Lunar New Year.

  2. 春节快乐

    chūnjié kuàilèchwun-jyeh kwai-luh

    Means: Happy Spring Festival

    Use it: Lunar New Year specifically.

  3. 恭喜发财

    gōngxǐ fācáigong-shee fah-tsai

    Means: Wishing you prosperity

    Use it: The classic Lunar New Year greeting.

  4. 过年好

    guònián hǎogwoh-nyen how

    Means: Happy New Year

    Use it: Common in northern China.

Pronunciation tips

  • In Cantonese, gōngxǐ fācái is said “gung hei fat choi”.

More in Chinese

Audio is AI-generated by SayHowTo for learning. Accents vary by country and region.