春节快乐
chūn jié kuài lè
Happy china year · trad. 春節快樂
春节快乐 (chūn jié kuài lè) is the most common and widely used greeting for Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). It's used to wish someone a happy and prosperous new year during this important holiday period.
When to use it
Neutral and universally appropriate. It can be used for family, friends, or colleagues. Another common greeting is 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè), "Happy New Year," which can apply to both the Western and Chinese New Year. Often, 春节快乐 is paired with 恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái), "Wishing you prosperity," for a more complete and auspicious greeting.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "CHWOON-jyeh KWAI-luh." 春 is a high, flat tone; 节 is a rising tone; 快 is a falling tone; 乐 is usually said lightly (neutral tone).
Other ways to say it
- 新年快乐xīn nián kuài lèHappy New Year (general)
- 恭喜发财gōng xǐ fā cáiWishing you prosperity (common New Year's greeting)
- 过年好guò nián hǎoHappy New Year (casual, often used after the first day)
Examples
祝你春节快乐！
zhù nǐ chūn jié kuài lè ！
Wish you a Happy Chinese New Year!
春节快乐，恭喜发财！
chūn jié kuài lè ， gōng xǐ fā cái ！
Happy Chinese New Year, wishing you prosperity!
大家春节快乐！
dà jiā chūn jié kuài lè ！
Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!
Pro tip: While 春节快乐 specifically refers to the Chinese New Year, 新年快乐 is more general. You'll often hear people combine them or add 恭喜发财 for extra good wishes during the Spring Festival.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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