Popular Chinese Greetings and Wishes for Friends Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Have you ever wondered what to say during Chinese New Year to family, friends, or colleagues? Beyond festive decorations and delicious food, the exchange of greetings is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year greetings are not just polite words, they carry blessings of health, prosperity, happiness, and success for the coming year.

Why Greetings Are Important During Chinese New Year

Greetings during Chinese New Year are more than polite conversation. They carry symbolic meanings, reflecting wishes for good fortune, prosperity, and happiness. Exchanging greetings is a way of strengthening relationships, expressing respect, and spreading positive energy as the new year begins.

For business or professional contexts, knowing these greetings demonstrates cultural awareness and can help build stronger bonds with colleagues or clients. Even for personal relationships, using these phrases correctly conveys sincerity and thoughtfulness.

Traditional Chinese New Year Greetings

Here are some of the most common greetings and their meanings:

1. 恭喜发财 (Gōngxǐ fācái) – Wishing You Prosperity

Perhaps the most widely used greeting, Gōngxǐ fācái literally means “congratulations and be prosperous.” While traditionally associated with wealth, it is a general wish for success and good fortune in the coming year. It is often accompanied by the gesture of handing out red packets (hóngbāo) in family and workplace settings.

2. 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) – Happy New Year

A straightforward and friendly greeting, Xīnnián kuàilè simply means “Happy New Year.” It is suitable for friends, colleagues, and acquaintances and works well in both formal and informal settings.

3. 万事如意 (Wànshì rúyì) – May All Your Wishes Come True

Wànshì rúyì conveys a heartfelt wish that everything goes according to your desires in the new year. This phrase is often used in cards, letters, and social media greetings, and it is appropriate in both personal and professional contexts.

4. 身体健康 (Shēntǐ jiànkāng) – Wishing You Good Health

Good health is a universal wish, and Shēntǐ jiànkāng is commonly used, especially among older family members or colleagues. This greeting shows care and consideration, as health is considered one of the most valuable forms of wealth in Chinese culture.

5. 年年有余 (Niánnián yǒuyú) – Wishing You Surplus Every Year

This phrase is associated with abundance and prosperity. Niánnián yǒuyú literally means “may you have surplus every year” and is often linked to the tradition of serving fish (鱼 – yú) during the New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, as fish symbolize abundance.

6. 心想事成 (Xīn xiǎng shì chéng) – May All Your Dreams Come True

A versatile and meaningful greeting, Xīn xiǎng shì chéng is often used to wish someone success in their personal goals, business ventures, or academic pursuits. It’s particularly popular among colleagues, clients, or friends starting new projects in the new year.

Special Greetings for the Year of the Horse

Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. It carries its own symbolism: energy, strength, ambition, and success. When celebrating the Year of the Horse, you can combine traditional greetings with horse-themed phrases to make your wishes extra meaningful.

Popular Year of the Horse Greetings

1. 马到成功 (Mǎ dào chénggōng) – Success Comes Quickly
   Literally “may success arrive as quickly as a horse,” this phrase is ideal for wishing friends, colleagues, or family quick achievements and smooth progress in the new year.
2. 一马当先 (Yī mǎ dāng xiān) – Be a Leader / Take the Lead
   A motivational phrase wishing someone courage, confidence, and leadership in their endeavors. Perfect for colleagues or ambitious friends.
3. 马年大吉 (Mǎ nián dàjí) – Great Luck in the Year of the Horse
   A simple, festive greeting suitable for anyone celebrating the New Year, emphasizing general good fortune in the zodiac year.

Greetings for Colleagues and Business Partners

In professional or corporate settings, it’s important to strike the right balance between festive cheer and respect. Here are some commonly used phrases for colleagues, employees, or clients:

• 事业有成 (Shìyè yǒuchéng) – Success in Your Career
  Appropriate for supervisors, colleagues, or business partners, this phrase conveys respect and professional goodwill.
• 大吉大利 (Dàjí dàlì) – Wishing Great Luck and Prosperity
  Suitable for formal or semi-formal occasions, this phrase is often used in business cards, emails, or during corporate Lunar New Year events.
• 步步高升 (Bùbù gāoshēng) – Rise Step by Step
  Traditionally used to wish someone career advancement or personal growth, this is a professional and optimistic greeting.
• 财源广进 (Cáiyuán guǎng jìn) – May Wealth Flow In
  Ideal for clients, partners, or colleagues, especially in industries focused on finance, business, or sales.

How to Use These Greetings

1. Face-to-Face: Use the respectful fist-and-palm gesture (Gongshou). Form a fist with your hand, cover it with the other hand, palms facing inward, and present it with a slight bow, often while saying “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Happy New Year/Wishing you prosperity)
2. Cards and messages: Include the greeting along with personal messages of good wishes for a more meaningful touch.
3. Corporate Settings: During office parties or corporate celebrations, use formal greetings or phrases appropriate for the workplace.

Tips for Meaningful Greetings

• Be sincere: The thought behind the greeting is more important than the exact phrase.
• Include gestures: In face-to-face interactions, a smile,  fist-and-palm gesture (Gongshou), nod, or light bow enhances the warmth of the greeting.
• Learn the pronunciation: Even attempting the correct Mandarin pronunciation shows respect and effort.

Experience Chinese New Year Traditions Together

If you want to experience the joy and culture of Chinese New Year firsthand, join Dear Asia London’s Chinese New Year celebrations and workshops! Dear Asia London‘s events provide a hands-on introduction to traditions, including popular greetings, calligraphy couplets, red packet etiquette, and festive crafts. Whether you want to engage your team, celebrate with friends, or host a memorable company event, Dear Asia London can help you enjoy in the Lunar New Year spirit while creating fun, educational, and meaningful memories.