新年快乐
xīnnián kuàilè
Happy new year · trad. 新年快樂
新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè) is the most common and direct way to say "Happy New Year" in Mandarin Chinese. It's used to greet people during both the Western New Year (January 1st) and, more prominently, the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year).
What does 新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè) mean?
新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè) means “happy New Year” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “new year happy.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely used. During Chinese New Year, it's often paired with 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái), which means "wish you prosperity." When someone says 新年快乐 to you, you can simply reply with 新年快乐 too, or add 谢谢 (xièxie, "thank you").
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “sheen-NYEN KWAI-luh.” 新 is high and level, 年 rises (second tone), 快 falls sharply, and 乐 is usually said lightly.
Other ways to say it
- 恭喜发财gōngxǐ fācáiwish you prosperity (common during Chinese New Year)
- 新年好xīnnián hǎonew year good (a simpler greeting)
- 过年好guònián hǎohappy new year (often used when visiting during CNY)
Examples
祝你新年快乐！
zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè!
Wish you a happy new year!
新年快乐，身体健康！
xīnnián kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng!
Happy New Year, wishing you good health!
大家新年快乐！
dàjiā xīnnián kuàilè!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Watch it in 20 seconds
A short animated clip with Xiao Jin, our monkey mascot — the phrase, an example, and native audio.
Pro tip: While it can be used for January 1st, 新年快乐 is most strongly associated with the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year. It's very common to say both 新年快乐 and 恭喜发财 together.
Related phrases
新春快乐 · Happy lunar new year恭喜发财 · Good wealth羊年大吉 · Happy year of the goat
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