恭喜
gōngxǐ
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.
What does 恭喜 (gōngxǐ) mean?
恭喜 (gōngxǐ) means “congratulations” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “respectful joy.”
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gōngxǐ nǐcongratulations to you (a bit more direct)
- 祝贺你zhùhè nǐcongratulations (often for achievements, slightly more formal)
- 恭喜发财gōngxǐ fācáicongratulations and be prosperous (Chinese New Year greeting)
Examples
恭喜你毕业了！
gōngxǐ nǐ bìyè le!
Congratulations on your graduation!
恭喜恭喜！听说你升职了。
gōngxǐ gōngxǐ! Tīngshuō nǐ shēngzhí le.
Congratulations! I heard you got a promotion.
恭喜你们结婚！
gōngxǐ nǐmen jiéhūn!
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
生日快乐 · Happy birthday新年快乐 · Happy new year干杯 · Cheers
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →