恭喜
gōng xǐ
Congratulations
恭喜 (gōngxǐ) is the most common and versatile way to say "congratulations" in Mandarin Chinese. It's used for a wide range of happy occasions, from personal achievements like graduations and promotions to celebrations like weddings and births.
When to use it
Neutral and widely applicable. While 恭喜 is suitable for most situations, for more formal or significant achievements, 祝贺 (zhùhè) can also be used. During Chinese New Year, 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) is a very popular and specific greeting.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "GONG-shee." Both syllables are first tones, meaning they are pronounced high and flat.
Other ways to say it
- 恭喜你gōng xǐ nǐcongratulations to you (a bit more direct)
- 祝贺你zhù hè nǐcongratulations (often for achievements, slightly more formal)
- 恭喜发财gōng xǐ fā cáicongratulations and be prosperous (Chinese New Year greeting)
Examples
恭喜你毕业了！
gōng xǐ nǐ bì yè le ！
Congratulations on your graduation!
恭喜恭喜！听说你升职了。
gōng xǐ gōng xǐ ！ tīng shuō nǐ shēng zhí le 。
Congratulations! I heard you got a promotion.
恭喜你们结婚！
gōng xǐ nǐ men jié hūn ！
Congratulations on your marriage!
Pro tip: It's common to repeat 恭喜 (gōngxǐ) as 恭喜恭喜 for added enthusiasm, especially in very happy or celebratory situations like weddings or Chinese New Year.
Related phrases
新年快乐 · Happy new year生日快乐 · Happy birthday干杯 · Cheers
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