冬至快乐
Dōngzhì kuàilè
Happy winter solstice · trad. 冬至快樂
冬至快乐 (Dōngzhì kuàilè) is a common greeting for the Winter Solstice festival, often used in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and southern China. It conveys wishes for a happy and joyful Winter Solstice.
What does 冬至快乐 (Dōngzhì kuàilè) mean?
冬至快乐 (Dōngzhì kuàilè) means “happy winter solstice” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “Winter Solstice happy.”
When to use it
Neutral and warm. It's a standard greeting for the Winter Solstice. In northern China, people are more likely to ask 冬至吃饺子了吗？ (Dōngzhì chī jiǎozi le ma?), meaning "Did you eat dumplings for the Winter Solstice?" as a greeting.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “DONG-jrr KWHY-luh.” 冬 is high and flat, 至 falls, and 快乐 is two falling tones, with 乐 often said lightly.
Other ways to say it
- 冬至吃饺子了吗？dōngzhì chī jiǎozi le ma?Did you eat dumplings for the Winter Solstice? (common greeting in northern China)
- 祝你冬至快乐！zhù nǐ dōngzhì kuàilè!Wish you a Happy Winter Solstice!
- 节日快乐jiérì kuàilèHappy holidays (general)
Examples
冬至快乐！别忘了吃汤圆。
dōngzhì kuàilè! bié wàngle chī tāngyuán.
Happy Winter Solstice! Don't forget to eat tangyuan.
祝大家冬至快乐，身体健康！
zhù dàjiā dōngzhì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng!
Wishing everyone a Happy Winter Solstice and good health!
冬至快乐！你今天吃饺子了吗？
dōngzhì kuàilè! nǐ jīntiān chī jiǎozi le ma?
Happy Winter Solstice! Did you eat dumplings today?
Pro tip: Sending 冬至快乐 is often accompanied by a picture of 汤圆 (tāngyuán, glutinous rice balls), a traditional food eaten during the Winter Solstice, especially in southern regions.
Related phrases
冬至 · Winter solstice汤圆 · Sweet rice balls (tang yuan)节日快乐 · Festival wishes
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →