新年快乐
xīn nián kuài lè
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).
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 "shin-nee-en KWHY-luh." The first two syllables are high and level, and 快乐 starts with a high, slightly falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 恭喜发财gōng xǐ fā cáiwish you prosperity (common during Chinese New Year)
- 新年好xīn nián hǎonew year good (a simpler greeting)
- 过年好guò nián hǎohappy new year (often used when visiting during CNY)
Examples
祝你新年快乐！
zhù nǐ xīn nián kuài lè ！
Wish you a happy new year!
新年快乐，身体健康！
xīn nián kuài lè ， shēn tǐ jiàn kāng ！
Happy New Year, wishing you good health!
大家新年快乐！
dà jiā xīn nián kuài lè ！
Happy New Year, everyone!
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
恭喜 · Congratulations生日快乐 · Happy birthday干杯 · Cheers
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