恭喜发财
gōngxǐ fācái
Good wealth · trad. 恭喜發財
恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) is a traditional and very common Chinese New Year greeting, wishing someone prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. It's widely used during the Spring Festival.
What does 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) mean?
恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) means “good wealth” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “respectfully happy get rich.”
When to use it
This is a festive and auspicious greeting, almost exclusively used during the Chinese New Year period. It's polite and joyful. When someone says it to you, a common reply is also 恭喜发财, or simply 谢谢 (xièxie, “thank you”). You can also add other wishes like 身体健康 (shēntǐ jiànkāng, “good health”).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “GONG-shee FAH-tsai.” The first two syllables are high and level, the third is high and level, and the last is a rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 新年快乐，恭喜发财xīnnián kuàilè, gōngxǐ fācáiHappy New Year, wishing you prosperity
- 恭喜gōngxǐcongratulations (broader use)
- 恭喜发财，红包拿来gōngxǐ fācái, hóngbāo náláiWishing you prosperity, now give me a red envelope! (playful)
Examples
恭喜发财！祝你新年快乐！
gōngxǐ fācái! zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè!
Wishing you prosperity! Happy New Year!
爷爷，恭喜发财！
yéye, gōngxǐ fācái!
Grandpa, wishing you prosperity!
大家恭喜发财，身体健康！
dàjiā gōngxǐ fācái, shēntǐ jiànkāng!
Wishing everyone prosperity and good health!
Pro tip: While it literally means “congratulations and get rich,” it's more about wishing general prosperity, success, and good fortune, not just financial wealth. It's deeply tied to the festive spirit of Chinese New Year.
Related phrases
基本问候语 · Basic greetings祝你生日快乐 · Blessed birthday表亲 / 堂亲 · Cousin
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