Lunar New Year is a cherished occasion that marks the beginning of a new year in the lunisolar calendar. Celebrated by millions across China, Southeast Asia, and communities worldwide, it’s a time for family reunions, rich traditions, vibrant festivities, and meaningful well-wishes. The Lunar New Year 2025 falls on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom and intuition in Chinese culture. Are you looking for the perfect Chinese New Year wishes or messages to share with loved ones, colleagues, or clients? Below, you’ll find a guide to heartfelt greetings, their meanings, and how to use them properly to spread joy during this festive season.
Common Chinese New Year Greetings
Feel free to use these popular Chinese greetings in your messages! Each comes with its pinyin pronunciation and meaning to help you understand their significance.
1. 新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè)
- Pronunciation: Sheen Nee-an Kwai Luh
- Meaning: Happy New Year
This is the simplest and most universal way to wish someone a happy Lunar New Year. It’s perfect for friends, family, and colleagues.
2. 恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái)
- Pronunciation: Gong Shee Fah Tsai
- Meaning: Wishing you wealth and prosperity
A classic phrase often shared during Chinese New Year, particularly in business contexts. It’s ideal for clients or coworkers as it conveys wishes for financial success.
3. 年年有余 (Nián Nián Yǒu Yú)
- Pronunciation: Nyan Nyan Yo You
- Meaning: Wishing you abundance year after year
This idiom is commonly featured in Lunar New Year decorations and is associated with the tradition of serving fish (鱼, yú) during the festive meal, symbolizing abundance.
4. 万事如意 (Wàn Shì Rú Yì)
- Pronunciation: Wann Shr Roo Ee
- Meaning: May all your wishes come true
Elegant and versatile, this phrase expresses good intentions for personal and professional fulfillment, suitable for anyone you want to wish well.
5. 身体健康 (Shēn Tǐ Jiàn Kāng)
- Pronunciation: Shen Tee Jee-an Kahng
- Meaning: Wishing you good health
Health is the ultimate gift, and this greeting is especially meaningful for older friends, relatives, or colleagues.
6. 大吉大利 (Dà Jí Dà Lì)
- Pronunciation: Dah Jee Dah Lee
- Meaning: Great luck and boundless opportunities
This optimistic phrase is perfect for starting the year with positivity and encouragement, making it ideal for personal and professional relationships.
How to Use Lunar New Year Greetings
Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt message or simply practicing good etiquette during festive gatherings, here are some tips to use these greetings effectively:
- Face-to-face interactions: If you’re celebrating in person, bow slightly or give a friendly smile while reciting the greeting. For closer family members, hand over a red envelope (红包, hóng bāo) with money to complete the tradition.
- Text messages and social media posts: Digital platforms are invaluable for celebrating with distant loved ones. A quick “新年快乐! Wishing you health and prosperity!” sends warm regards, no matter where you are.
- Handwritten cards: Personalize the celebration with a handwritten card featuring one or more traditional greetings. Including a decorative touch with red and gold elements deepens cultural appreciation.
- Business contexts: For clients and coworkers, pair your message with a small gift, like tea or snacks in a festive red box, to foster goodwill.
Crafting Longer New Year Messages
Want to go beyond a quick phrase? Combine multiple greetings to create a heartfelt and personal message. Here are some examples:
For Family and Friends
“新年快乐! 愿新的一年给你带来健康、幸福和丰收的生活! (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! Yuàn Xīn de yī nián gěi nǐ dài lái jiàn kāng, xìng fú hé fēng shōu de shēng huó!)”
Translation: Happy New Year! May the new year bring you health, happiness, and a year of abundance!
For Business Relationships
“恭喜发财! 愿我们在新的一年中加深合作，共创辉煌。 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái! Yuàn wǒ men zài xīn de yī nián zhōng jiā shēn hé zuò, gòng chuàng huī huáng.)”
Translation: Wishing you wealth and prosperity! May we strengthen our collaboration in the new year and achieve great success together.
For Seniors and Mentors
“新年快乐! 万事如意，祝您身体健康，岁岁平安! (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! Wàn Shì Rú Yì, zhù nín shēn tǐ jiàn kāng, suì suì píng ān!)”
Translation: Happy New Year! May all your wishes come true, may you have good health, and may you be safe year after year.
